Ukraine’s armed forces begin “shaping” operations for counteroffensive – CNN

Ukrainian troops began "shaping" operations on the eve of the long-awaited counteroffensive against the Russian army.

CNN reported this, citing a senior US military official and another senior Western government official.

Shaping involves striking targets such as weapons depots, command centers, armored vehicles, and artillery systems to prepare the battlefield for the offensive force. CNN says that this is a standard tactic used before primary joint operations.

When Ukraine launched its counteroffensive late last summer in the southern and northeastern parts of the country, it was also preceded by airstrikes to prepare the battlefield.

According to a senior US military official, these "shaping" battlefield operations could continue for days before the central part of any planned Ukrainian offensive.

"Shaping" operations can also be aimed at confusing the enemy.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine still needs "a little more time" before it starts a counteroffensive. This is required to allow most of the promised Western military aid to arrive in Ukraine.

Among the supplies Ukraine is still waiting for are armored vehicles, including tanks, which Zelensky says are arriving in batches.

Zelensky also expressed faith in Ukraine's victory before the US elections in November 2024.