There were hopes for similar rapid progress in the summer counteroffensive, which aims to push down towards the Sea of Azov, cutting off Russian troops in Kherson and occupied Crimea from other forces and severing their supply lines.

Instead, it stalled for months, with casualties mounting but frontlines apparently static, feeding discontent and criticism in western capitals that had provided weapons and training.

Tarnavskiy shrugged off that criticism, saying he preferred to judge a job when finished and thanking the UK and other allies for their support in training and weapons, including Challenger tanks that are already in the field.

Russian troops were ensconced in concrete dugouts behind anti-tank traps and beyond a minefield so packed with explosives, and so exposed, that any vehicles – de-mining or assault – that approached the area were shelled heavily from fixed, reinforced positions, he said.

That position has been fiercely rejected in Ukraine, where many feel only total defeat of Russia will forestall another invasion; any settlement that rewarded Moscow for use of force would give it reason to try again in future.

Tarnavskiy is commander of the Tavria operational and strategic group of forces, named after the historic region that included Crimea, a reminder of Ukraine’s military commitments, now sharpened by the losses of the last 18 months.

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