counteroffensive

Definition

A large-scale military operation launched by a defending force to regain territory or repel an adversary after having previously been under attack.

Etymology

Derived from the prefix 'counter-' (meaning against or opposite) and 'offensive' (an aggressive military campaign). It entered English in the late 19th century as a military term describing a tactical response to an enemy attack.

In the news

In the article, the term refers to efforts by the Ukrainian military to reclaim territories previously seized by Russian forces, such as in the Kherson region or Donetsk province. These maneuvers represent strategic attempts to shift the momentum of the war.

War in Ukraine | Global Conflict Tracker

Council on Foreign Relations

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