In recent days, there are increasing indications that the Ukrainian counter-offensive in the Russian offensive war is starting. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has now discussed this with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba.
On Friday, Blinken and Kuleba discussed ongoing preparations for a Ukrainian counter-offensive over the phone. The focus was on how international partners could best contribute to the success of the offensive, according to the US State Department.
Missile attack on Luhansk
Meanwhile, Russian occupation authorities reported that the Luhansk region was hit by a Ukrainian missile strike. Six children and an adult were injured, according to a telegram post on Saturday night.
In addition, the administrative building of a closed packaging plant and a detergent factory in the capital Luhansk were damaged by two Ukrainian-made “Grom” (German: “Thunder”) missiles. On video, a plume of black smoke was visible above the city (see below). Since Luhansk is 100 kilometers behind the front line, it is speculated that the first British-supplied cruise missiles were deployed via Kiev.
Ukraine’s sovereignty is crucial
Speaking to Kuleba, Blinken reiterated that Ukraine’s sovereignty is crucial to security and peace in Europe. The US is considered Ukraine’s main ally in defending against Russian invasion and has provided the country with more than $36.9 billion in military aid since the start of the offensive war. Only on Thursday did Blinken confirm his country’s willingness to continue supplying Ukraine with the armaments it needs.
Biden is also behind Ukraine
US President Joe Biden also reiterated his support for Ukraine. “Of course we are committed to a lasting and just peace that fully respects international law and the principles of the UN Charter,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Friday evening (local time) during a meeting with Biden at the White House. “(…) in this war there is an aggressor and a victim and the aggressor is President Putin,” said Sanchez, who had already pledged his unconditional support to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
Russians occupy 20 percent of Ukraine
Ukraine has been fighting off a Russian invasion with Western help for more than 14 months. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly promised victory for Ukraine with full repatriation of all areas this year. However, Russian troops currently occupy about 20 percent of Ukrainian territory.
Prigozhin calls for escape
Zelenskyj has tempered expectations of the forthcoming counter-offensive, stressing that equipment is still lacking. At the same time, the Ukrainian army was able to achieve success for the first time in the eastern city of Bakhmut, which had been fought over for months. The mercenary there, Yevgeny Prigozhin, stated that fighters from the regular Russian army tried to flee.
Source: Krone
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