According to a new assessment by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Ukrainian forces have achieved significant success in localized counterattacks against Russian troops along two sections of the front line. The counterattacks took place along the border of Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region and near Kreminna, a Russian-controlled city in the eastern Luhansk region.

In early May, Russia initiated a cross-border offensive into the Kharkiv region, capturing several villages including those north of Kharkiv City, Ukraine's second-largest city. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed the importance of retaining Kharkiv, stating that Kyiv cannot afford to lose it.

Further east along the border, Russian forces also attacked the city of Vovchansk and the settlement of Starytsya, prompting concerns from Ukrainian officials about the division of resources. Ukraine reported that it had managed to halt Russia's advances in some areas, but noted intensified pushes from Moscow in the east.

The ISW stated that Ukraine has been counterattacking along the Kharkiv border and near Kreminna for approximately two months, which has resulted in the withdrawal of Russian forces from other parts of Ukraine. This indicates that the Russian troops are feeling the pressure of the Ukrainian counterattacks.

Ukraine heavily relies on security assistance from its international supporters, particularly the United States, to sustain its war effort. To address delays and political debates, the U.S. House approved over $60 billion in military aid for Ukraine in late April. President Joe Biden apologized to President Zelensky for the delay, acknowledging the importance of consistent funding.

During this week's NATO summit in Washington, Ukraine's NATO allies announced additional aid for Kyiv. This includes the provision of four Patriot air defense systems and dozens of other air defense systems within the next few months. NATO also confirmed that its members would contribute a minimum baseline funding of over $43 billion in security assistance to Ukraine over the next year. Furthermore, the United States, the Netherlands, and Denmark shared the news that the first F-16 fighter jets pledged to Ukraine were en route to Kyiv.

The ability of Ukraine to conduct more powerful and organized counterattacks is contingent upon Western military aid, as highlighted by the ISW. With the ongoing support from NATO allies, Ukraine aims to strengthen its defense capabilities and push back against Russian aggression in the region.