Has Ukraine’s counter-offensive been overhyped?

The talk about a big spring counter-offensive has been beneficial for Ukraine. It has helped persuade western allies to donate arms, while unnerving Russia and offering hope to those longing for the conflict to end. The idea has been promoted by every Ukrainian official from the President downwards, but when hope turns to hype, there’s a problem – and Kyiv may soon end up paying the price for its own PR success. People are asking where the ‘big push’ is and Volodymyr Zelensky’s team is trying to manage expectations. They are speaking of whatever comes next as another stride in the ongoing war, rather than the final step to an inevitable victory.

The trouble is, the high expectations of Ukraine’s allies may now turn into a liability. A disappointing result could end up eroding the appetite to continue funding Ukraine.

The delay of a spring offensive also dismays some Ukrainians, who are tempted to believe talk of the war being over by the summer.