US grows doubtful Ukraine counteroffensive can quickly succeed

US officials are increasingly critical of Ukraine’s counteroffensive strategy and gloomy about its prospect of success, deepening tensions between Kyiv and Washington at the most critical point in the war since Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Kyiv launched its counteroffensive against Russian occupying forces earlier in the summer with staunch US backing, but progress has been slow and analysts say Ukraine will struggle to recapture significant territory before muddy ground hinders manoeuvres or its forces run out of combat power.