Aleksey Danilov, the head of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, has stated that there is no specific timetable for the country’s counteroffensive in Ukraine. This announcement comes amidst reports that Western supporters of Ukraine are growing frustrated with Kiev’s lack of progress on the battlefield.
During a television appearance on Wednesday, Danilov emphasized that only Ukraine can impose deadlines for their counteroffensive and that there is no predetermined schedule for their military actions. He dismissed those who question the timing, stating that only those who do not understand the realities of war engage in such speculation.
Danilov clarified that he has never used the term “counteroffensive” to describe the ongoing fighting in Ukraine. He explained that the military actions are complex and depend on various factors. He added that Ukrainian troops have adopted a NATO system, allowing local commanders to choose tactics to achieve their objectives.
Danilov also acknowledged the formidable defenses prepared by Russian troops to combat the Ukrainian counteroffensive. He mentioned the large number of mines that Ukrainian forces have to overcome, stressing the difficulty of the task. He pointed out that despite some expectations that Western equipment would assist Ukraine in advancing, progress can only be made on foot in many areas.
In early June, Ukrainian troops launched a major attack against Russian lines but failed to gain any ground, according to Moscow. The Russian Defense Minister, Sergey Shoigu, later reported that Ukraine had lost over 26,000 service members since the start of the push, with nearly 21,000 soldiers lost in the last month alone.
Reports from CNN and the Financial Times published in late June suggested that Ukraine’s Western allies were disappointed with its progress on the battlefield. The Financial Times sources indicated that further military support could be contingent on the outcome of the campaign. A report from Politico also highlighted the lack of significant gains in the Ukrainian offensive.
Ukrainian officials have attributed the difficulties to the lack of Western-supplied munitions and shipment delays. These complaints have led to tensions with Poland, as Marcin Przydacz, head of the international policy bureau within the Polish presidential administration, suggested that Ukraine should show more gratitude for the aid it receives. In response, Kiev summoned the Polish envoy and condemned the comments as unacceptable.
Overall, Ukraine’s head of National Security and Defense Council emphasized that there is no set timetable for the counteroffensive in Ukraine. The country’s Western supporters are growing frustrated with the lack of progress on the battlefield, with little gains being made and significant casualties reported. The lack of Western-supplied munitions has further complicated the situation, leading to tensions between Ukraine and Poland.
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