Ukraine is preparing for a new counteroffensive and military operations at the front, but notes that defense is a priority. This was announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyi, who noted in an interview with Fox News that defense is facing a big challenge in the war with Russia. He emphasized that the lives of the soldiers are the most important priority because the loss of soldiers can lead to the loss of everything.
"Defense is our main task," the president said. "We will continue our successful activities in the Black Sea. We are preparing some surprises for Russia, which is very important. The south and the defense of the east, where more than 200,000 Russian soldiers are stationed, are also extremely important.”
Zelensky also said that Ukraine needs Patriot air defense systems, long-range weapons and other means. He urged to focus on the present moment without remembering the past.
Regarding the success of the counteroffensive in 2023, Zelenskyi noted that success depends on many factors and it is necessary to consider the situation in accordance with the current context.
We will remind you that last summer, Ukrainian troops launched a counteroffensive in the east and south of the country, which led to the liberation of more than a dozen settlements in the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions. However, Russian troops are now intensifying their attacks on the front, in particular, capturing Avdiivka after prolonged fighting and increasing activity in the Kupyansk area.
Zelensky emphasized that for Russia, the capture of Avdiyivka is its greatest achievement in the 9 months of war. The head of the GUR of the Ministry of Defense, Kyrylo Budanov, believes that Russia does not have enough forces to seize the Luhansk and Donetsk regions.
