Ukrainian counteroffensive is expected to be long and difficult - Presidential Office
Mykhailo Podolyak, Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine (Getty Images)
Ukrainian Armed Forces' counteroffensive, which began last month, is expected to be challenging and time-consuming. The operation faces complications due to dense minefields and delays in weapon supplies, said Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to the head of the Ukrainian President's Office, in an interview with AFP.
According to Podolyak, the progress is "slower than desired."
"Undoubtedly, this operation will be quite difficult, long and will take quite a lot of time," he said.
Podolyak also pointed out that the counteroffensive is hindered by dense minefields and issues with logistical support, particularly the supply of weapons.
"Let's be objective, Russia has the advantage in the air over the front. We definitely need additional armored vehicles - two to three hundred tanks, primarily. We need up to 80 F-16 planes in order to close the skies well, especially in the area near the front," Podolyak said.
He added that the number of offensive operations led by the Ukrainian army was progressively rising and that not all brigades readied for the counteroffensive have been sent to battle.
Ukrainian counteroffensive
Ukrainian defenders have been continuing their counteroffensive on specific fronts since the beginning of summer. They have already managed to liberate several settlements in the southeast of the country.
The General Staff reported that Ukrainian forces are continuing offensive operations on the Bahmut, Melitopol, and Berdiansk fronts. Notably, they achieved success in the directions of Velyka Novosilka - Staromaiorske and Novosilka - Staromaiorske.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian defenders are conducting offensive actions to the north and south of Bakhmut. The Russians were forced to retreat from positions northeast of Orikhove-Vasylivka.
