Ukraine Strikes Back

Campaign Planning and Post H-Hour Considerations

To the green fields beyond. (Image: @Combined2Forces)

In the latter half of 2022, the Ukrainians executed offensive operations in Kharkiv and Kherson. In doing so, they also learned about the planning, preparation, execution and adaptation of these large-scale military operations. Their ability to conduct deception, planning, mission rehearsals, multi-echelon attacks and synchronise very complex combined arms and air-land operations on different axes will have developed and improved.

These operations are part of the Ukrainian journey to the lines of departure for its 2023 offensives.

The Ukrainian operations currently being undertaken around Bakhmut and in southern Ukraine appear to confirm that H-Hour for the 2023 Ukrainian offensive has probably arrived. Surprise, shock action, synchronisation, deception, good logistic support, adaptation, operational security and good leadership will be critical post H-Hour qualities in the Ukrainian assault, follow-on and support forces.

Before a deluge of reporting in the coming days allows a better appreciation of what is occurring, it is worth reviewing how the Ukrainian military arrived at this particular point in history.

What were the planning considerations that contributed to the design of their nascent offensive?