Media around the world have been writing about the long-awaited Ukrainian offensive for some time. Kiev did not comment on these reports, while the Russian side said that yes, Ukraine launched an attack, but did not achieve any success. President Volodymyr Ze³enski decided to put an end to speculation on the matter and confirmed media reports. “Counter-attack and defensive operations are underway,” he said BBC.
Speaking in Kiev on Saturday, Zelensk was asked to comment on Putin’s statement on Friday, when he acknowledged that the Ukrainian counteroffensive had certainly begun but had not succeeded. As reported CNNThe President of Ukraine shrugged his shoulders and said that the most important thing is for the enemy to realize the actions of the soldiers. “It is interesting that Putin talked about our counter-offensive. (…) It is important for Russia to realize (the counter-offensive) and there is not much time for that,” Zelensky said. At the same time, he added that he would not disclose any details about the actions of Ukrainian troops.
War in Ukraine. Inspectors evaluate the actions of the troops
On the 473rd day of the invasion of Ukraine, the Russian occupier is trying to completely capture the Luhansk and Donetsk regions. 28 clashes have taken place in this area in the last 24 hours. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the occupier was suffering increasing losses and was trying to hide from the public. Military analyst David Sharp talks about the activity of Ukrainian troops, which shows changes on the battlefield. – It could be a series of strokes. There may be a large strike on a selected section of the front, while successive strikes are carried out to confuse the enemy. It will be a long-term operation, which will certainly not become a classic attack known from war films – the expert stressed.
Institute of War Research (ISW), on Saturday, reported that Ukrainian forces launched attacks in at least four areas along the front. “Russian sources reported Ukrainian operations in the Luhansk region near Philohorivka, and Russian bloggers reported Ukrainian advances northwest and northeast of Pakmut,” ISW said in a statement. On the other hand, according to the Russian Defense Ministry, “Ukrainian troops carried out attacks on the Donetsk-Zaporogion border, especially in the area of Velika Novosilka.”
The Ukrainians – in addition to pre-emptive measures – are waging a diplomatic offensive and rallying more and more foreign allies to appoint an international tribunal to try Russian war crimes.
Zelensky and Trudeau signed a declaration of support for NATO membership
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau signed a declaration of support for Ukraine’s NATO membership on Saturday. The head of the Canadian government pledged a new military aid package worth US$375 million to Ukraine during an unannounced visit to Kiev. He also promised to hand over the Russian Antonov transport plane seized last year to Ukraine.
During a joint press conference, the politicians signed a declaration urging Russia to end hostilities. “Canada is committed to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. Canada greatly respects the determination and courage of the Ukrainian people and armed forces in defending independence. Their determination and courage not only protect Europe in the face of Russia’s expansionist policy, but also strengthen the international system based on the principles of respect for international law.” .
Volodymyr Zelensky indicated that the issue of Ukraine’s membership in NATO will be one of the topics of the upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius. “We will do everything to ensure that the Alliance’s Vilnius summit is a response to the challenges of our time and that it is beneficial for all of us, for Ukraine and for our membership prospects,” the Ukrainian leader said. Justin Trudeau has promised his country will participate in the training of Ukrainian F-16 fighter pilots, in addition to a new military aid package. – Canada will participate in an international alliance that will train fighter pilots and provide maintenance for these machines. We will also join the technical support initiative for Leopard Tanks. The head of the Canadian government said it would supply an additional 288 AIM-7 missiles to help protect the skies above Ukraine. In addition, Canada will extend its military training mission until 2026, having trained more than 35,000 Ukrainian soldiers over the past eight years.
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