Zelensky acknowledges Ukraine’s challenging counteroffensive.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky: Counteroffensive Progress and Challenges

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged on Thursday that the country’s counteroffensive against Russia has yielded “generally positive” results so far. However, he emphasized that the journey has not been easy.

Kyiv claims to have liberated several villages from Russian control in the past week. However, there have been no major breakthroughs in the southern or eastern regions of Ukraine.

Challenges Faced by Ukrainian Troops

Zelensky expressed his admiration for the heroic Ukrainian people and troops on the front lines, who are facing tough resistance. He stated, “Because for Russia to lose this campaign to Ukraine, I would say, actually means losing the war.”

Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar echoed this sentiment, acknowledging limited progress due to strong resistance from Russian forces.

Maliar explained, “The offensive continues in several directions, and the armed forces are also gradually but surely advancing there.” However, she cautioned that “the enemy is putting up strong resistance.”

She further emphasized that all defense forces are engaged in both offensive and defensive operations, as the enemy is also carrying out offensive actions.

Russian Attacks and International Support

While Ukrainian troops strive to liberate territory, Russia continues to launch indiscriminate rocket attacks within Ukraine. These attacks have resulted in casualties, including a recent strike on a residential building in the city of Kryvyi Rih.

Meanwhile, Western defense leaders from approximately 50 countries are convening in Brussels for the Defense Contact Group meeting. Led by United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, the group meets monthly to discuss Ukraine’s evolving needs.

Austin affirmed the United States’ commitment to Ukraine, stating, “Ukraine’s fight is a marathon and not a sprint. So we will continue to provide Ukraine with the urgent capabilities that it needs to meet this moment, as well as what it needs to keep itself secure for the long term from Russian aggression.”

The United States has recently announced two military aid packages for Ukraine, one aimed at addressing immediate needs and another focused on long-term goals.