 Ukraine uses new tactics in counter-attack, exhausts the Russian Army. According to analysts, from the Institute for the Study of War ISW, the current delayed counter-offensive by Ukraine's defence forces may be aimed at exhausting Russian forces and preparing for further offensive actions. Experts note that the overall slower than expected pace of Ukrainian counter-offensive operations is not indicative of Ukraine's broader offensive capabilities and Ukrainian forces are likely successfully setting the stage for further major efforts despite initial setbacks. According to the analysts, it is important to observe that current Ukrainian operations may not only have territorial goals, Ukrainian forces may be conducting several offensive operations across the entire theatre in order to gradually attrit Russian forces and set conditions for a future main effort, the report states. The analysts add that losses are inevitable on both sides but careful operational planning on the Ukrainian side likely seeks to mitigate and balance this condition with the equally important observation that depletion of Russian manpower is an important objective. The success of Ukrainian counter-offensives should not be judged solely on day-to-day changes in control of terrain as the wider operational intentions of Ukrainian attacks along the entire frontline may be premised on gradually degrading, exhausting and expending Russian capabilities in preparation for additional offensive pushes. The analysts conclude.