The Ukrainian president stated in an interview with the BBC that Kyiv needs more time to prepare its counteroffensive against Russian forces. According to him, they are still waiting for the promised aid to be delivered. Although they have sufficient resources to proceed, they consider it unacceptable to lose many people and, therefore, need to wait and take more time.
In recent weeks, Ukrainian authorities have tried to lower expectations regarding the counteroffensive. They fear that any disappointing outcome in the West could lead to a reduction in military support and pressure to negotiate with Moscow. President Zelensky said he understands that everyone will have an opinion about it, but they cannot be pressured to cede territory.
On the other hand, Moscow claims to be prepared to repel any counterattack. Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of the private military group Wagner, commented on social media that the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ counteroffensive has already begun, accusing Zelensky of deception in this regard.
Tensions between the conflicting parties are escalating, particularly after last week’s incident in which Ukraine attempted to attack the Kremlin with drones. Moscow considered this act an assassination attempt against President Vladimir Putin and labeled it a planned terrorist act.