Blinken on Ukrainian offensive: Russians had months to build up their defense
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (Getty Images)
Russian forces had many months to build their defenses, which is why the Ukrainian offensive has been tough going, according to the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
According to him, the advance has been "tough going," but the Ukrainian Defense Forces have already achieved tangible successes.
Blinken said that Ukraine has reclaimed more than 50% of the territory seized by Russia since the start of the full-scale war.
"They’re engaged in this counteroffensive along the south and the east. It’s been tough going, and there’s a good reason for that. The Russians had many, many months to build up defenses. But the Ukrainians are making real progress," said the U.S. Secretary of State.
Blinken emphasized that Ukrainian soldiers are are fighting for their own land, their own freedom, their own future, and "at the end of the day, that is what tips the balance."
