Zelensky confirms: Ukraine has start a counter-offensive. ”Russia doesn't have much time left”

Volodymyr Zelensky officially confirmed that Ukraine had launched a counter-offensive. Thus, the president ended the media speculation that had been going on for several days. At the same time, he added that he would not reveal the details of the operation, but “it is important that Russia feels that it does not have much time left.”

Media around the world have been writing about the long-awaited Ukrainian offensive for some time. Kyiv did not comment on these reports, while the Russian side claimed that, yes, Ukraine launched an offensive, but was not achieving any successes. President Volodymyr Zelensky decided to put an end to the speculations on this subject and confirmed the media reports. “Counter-offensive and defensive measures are underway” he said.

When Zelensky spoke in Kyiv on Saturday, he was asked to comment on Friday's statement by Putin, who admitted that the Ukrainian counter-offensive had certainly begun, but was not successful. As reported by CNN, the President of Ukraine shrugged his shoulders and added that the most important thing is for the enemy to feel the actions of the soldiers. “It's interesting that Putin talked about our counter-offensive. (…) It is important for Russia to feel (the counter-offensive) and feel that it does not have much time left” – Zelensky said. At the same time, he added that he would not reveal any details about the actions of the Ukrainian troops.

Analysts evaluate the actions of the troops

On the 473rd day of the invasion of Ukraine, the Russian aggressor tries to take full control of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions. There have been 28 skirmishes in this area in the past 24 hours. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the aggressor is suffering increasing losses, which he is trying to hide from the public.

There can be one big strike on one selected section of the front, and at the same time a series of strikes that will be carried out to confuse the enemy. It will be a long-term operation, which will certainly not turn out to be a classic attack.

The Institute for War Research (ISW) reports that on Saturday, Ukrainian forces carried out attacks on at least four areas of the front. “Russian sources have reported Ukrainian activity in the Luhansk region near Bilohorivka, and Russian bloggers have reported Ukrainian advances northwest and northeast of Bakhmut” the ISW said in a report. On the other hand, according to the Russian Defense Ministry, “Ukrainian troops also carried out attacks on the Donetsk-Zaporozhian border, especially in the area of ​​Velyka Novosilka.”

https://twitter.com/TheStudyofWar/status/1667683145586561025

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 membership of NATO on Saturday. During an unannounced visit to Kyiv, the head of the Canadian government also promised a new military aid package for Ukraine worth USD 375 million. He also promised to hand over to Ukraine the Russian Antonov transport plane seized last year.

During a joint press conference, the politicians emphasized that the signed declaration calls on Russia to end hostilities. Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. Canada highly values ​​the determination and courage of the Ukrainian people and armed forces in defending independence. Their steadfastness and courage not only protect Europe's security in the face of expansionist policy of Russia, 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 Vilnius summit of the Alliance is a response to the challenges of our time and that it is positive for all of us, positive for Ukraine and for our membership prospects” said the Ukrainian leader. Justin Trudeau promised, in addition to the new military aid package, his country's participation in the training of Ukrainian F-16 fighter pilots. — Canada will participate in an international coalition that trains fighter pilots and offers maintenance for these machines. We will also join the technical support initiative for Leopard tanks. We will provide an additional 288 AIM-7 missiles that will help protect the skies over Ukraine, said the head of the Canadian government. In addition, Canada will extend its military training mission until 2026, which has trained more than 35,000 Ukrainian soldiers in the last eight years.