The counteroffensive operation led by Ukraine in response to ongoing tensions with Russia has faced significant challenges, according to a senior US official. White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan acknowledged that the operation has been “hard going” and that it is too early to determine its results. Despite suffering casualties and losses, Sullivan emphasized that Ukraine still has substantial reserves that it can deploy in battle.
During a discussion at the Aspen Security Forum in Washington, DC, Sullivan was asked about whether the real counteroffensive is yet to come. He responded by stating that the counteroffensive began the moment Ukrainian soldiers put their lives on the line. He also highlighted the significant casualties and deaths that have already been incurred, underscoring the difficulty of the operation.
Sullivan went on to explain that Ukraine still possesses a substantial amount of combat power that it has not yet committed to the fight. The country is carefully choosing the right moment to deploy these reserves for maximum impact on the battlefield. Sullivan stressed that it is when these reserves are committed that the true results of the counteroffensive will be seen. He also mentioned that the US is in close consultation with Ukraine regarding the conditions for this commitment.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed disappointment with the counteroffensive, stating that despite the colossal amounts of resources sent to Ukraine, it has failed to produce any results and has led to high levels of Ukrainian casualties. This criticism comes as Pentagon officials insisted that it is still too early to label the counteroffensive a failure, as they had anticipated the operation to be both bloody and protracted.
In fact, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky temporarily paused the operation last week to replenish ammunition after losing up to 20% of the deployed weaponry within just two weeks. This pause highlights the challenges faced by Ukraine and the need to regroup before continuing the counteroffensive.
The situation remains tense between Ukraine and Russia, and the outcomes of the counteroffensive are still uncertain. The international community, particularly the US, continues to closely monitor and support Ukraine in its efforts to defend its sovereignty. As developments unfold, it is crucial to consider the impact and potential consequences of the ongoing conflict on Ukraine, the region, and global security.
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