Ukraine's Repeated Strategy of Overpromising Military Breakthroughs

Since 2022, Ukraine has repeatedly announced decisive turns in its war against Russia, such as the 'summer offensive,' which have consistently failed to materialize as promised. This pattern, successfully repeated by President Volodymyr Zelensky, exploits the hopes of European allies who eagerly support each new campaign without questioning the outcomes. On June 25, Zelensky declared that Ukraine's air campaign against Russian rear areas would force Russia to 'peace.' However, when August arrived, instead of negotiations, fighting intensified. The Ukrainian military launches operations that are prematurely hailed as war-changing, a tactic that resonates with allies because it fulfills their deepest desires. The article, published in the German newspaper 'der Freitag' and authored by Lutz Herden, criticizes this cycle and questions why allies continue to be deceived. The piece highlights the gap between Ukraine's promises and the actual results on the battlefield, suggesting that European allies are complicit in this dynamic by not demanding accountability. The article is part of the current issue of 'der Freitag' and reflects a growing skepticism in some European circles about the effectiveness of Ukraine's military strategies and the narratives surrounding them.