Ukraine holding its positions: Pentagon sees improvement in situation on front line

He noted that US policy aimed at shifting responsibility for supporting Ukraine onto Europe had proven successful.

"In the past year, European allies have taken the leading role in supporting Ukraine’s defense, assuming the responsibility for the financial support of Ukraine, as well as providing their own arms to Ukraine," Colby said.

Deputy Secretary of Defense noted that "that transition of support to Europe has not only been implemented, it has been correlated with a sustained, effective defense by Ukraine." He also said that as a result, "Ukraine’s situation has even improved."

"Ukraine has managed to hold the front line and even improve its position in some places, continuing to lay the groundwork for a lasting peace built on Russia’s understanding that perpetuating this war is not only condemnable but also will not pay off for Moscow," Colby stressed.

Need for continued support

At the same time, he noted that Ukraine’s defense "does hold, but continued and sustained support from allies is essential to maintain it."

"We in the United States hear time and again how vital Ukraine’s defense is for Europe and for our allies … but our allies must back words with actions," the Deputy US Secretary of Defense said.

He added that this is an opportunity for Europe to do so, while also helping to create and strengthen conditions for lasting peace in Ukraine.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has reached a dead end in the war against Ukraine. According to him, the conflict is increasingly damaging Russia.

Ukraine’s Defense Forces reported that the number of Russian assaults on the front line has significantly decreased as a result of Ukrainian strikes on enemy logistics.