According to The Washington Post, Ukrainian forces, including combat units trained in Western tactics and equipped with Western weaponry, have initiated a significant offensive across various parts of the front line.
In a groundbreaking move, Ukraine deployed Western tanks for the first time in the southern front’s major offensive, marking the commencement of their long-awaited counter-offensive. Leopard II main battle tanks were observed in the Zaporizhzhia region, where an abrupt escalation in fighting signaled the initiation of the assault. Speaking on condition of anonymity, Ukrainian officials confirmed that an active phase of the counter-offensive was underway, as reported by US media.
US officials acknowledged that this latest assault appeared to be the primary thrust of the counter-offensive. However, they cautioned that Russian forces were offering “stiff resistance,” resulting in Ukrainian casualties.
The Ukrainian offensive appears to be focused on the Ukrainian-held town of Orikhiv along the front line. Analysts speculate that Kyiv intends to advance towards the coast in an effort to sever Russia’s access to Crimea.
Russia, however, claimed to have largely repelled the attack. Ukrainian and Western officials had previously warned that the counter-offensive would be challenging, even with the provision of fresh supplies of modern NATO-standard equipment, such as main battle tanks.
Reactions from Global Leaders:
Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to the situation, stating, “All counteroffensive attempts made so far have failed. But the offensive potential of the troops of the Kyiv regime is still preserved.”
US President Joe Biden expressed confidence in providing ongoing support to Ukraine, stating, “We’ll have the funding to support Ukraine as long as it takes.” He refrained from commenting on the military operations but assured that the United States had taken all necessary steps to support Ukraine.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak addressed the need for unity and determination within the international alliance. He commented, “President Putin will be thinking that the alliance will tire, will get fatigued, and that is not the case.” Sunak emphasized that it was reasonable to expect all allies, including the UK, to contribute their share to the military effort and affirmed the UK’s pride in being the second-largest contributor behind the US.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the global community closely watches the developments and supports Ukraine’s efforts to defend its territorial integrity.
