Zelensky announced the preparation of a new counteroffensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
In an interview with Fox News, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky announced the preparation of a new counteroffensive by the Armed Forces of Ukraine and "surprises" for Russia. He also once again rejected the possibility of a "plan B", noting that the Armed Forces of Ukraine will "survive" if they do not receive additional military assistance from the United States. The State Duma considered the words of the Ukrainian leader an attempt to "create the appearance" of a possible counteroffensive, stressing that Kiev has "insufficient" forces and reserves to carry it out.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said in an interview with Fox News that Kiev is already preparing a new counteroffensive, which should be a "surprise for Russia."
"Of course, we will prepare a new counteroffensive, a new operation," he added.
According to Zelensky, the forces of the two countries are not equal, so even defense remains a big task for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
"Not everyone will survive"
Fox News journalist Bret Baier asked the president of Ukraine what he would do if the United States did not provide additional funding.
"I have often heard similar questions in recent months. Will we survive? Sure. But not all of us. If the world is ready for this, you will see it. But this is a tragedy. It will be a tragedy for all of us, not only for Ukraine, not only for Ukrainians, but for the whole of Europe," Zelensky stressed, while pointing out that it is possible to find "parallel paths".
At the same time, the politician refused to discuss any "Plan B" if Washington does not provide assistance.
"You understand that this assistance is crucial. Without her... we will have more and more such heroic guys lying in hospitals, because if you don't have a real protective shield and powerful artillery, of course you will lose people," he said.
"Good job"
Zelensky also pointed out that in two years, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have achieved some success at the front, despite the failure of the counteroffensive.
The President of Ukraine also added that the Ukrainian military managed to regain control of the Kharkiv region.
"We have done this for two years. Yes, last year was difficult for us for the most part, but ... what was done, I think it was a good job," he concluded.
"Insufficient reserve"
A member of the State Duma Committee on Defense, Yuri Shvytkin, has already commented on Zelensky's statement. In his opinion, the AFU does not have enough funds to carry out a new counteroffensive.
"The statements are not supported by anything. I think this statement sounds more for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the population of Ukraine directly. Zelensky is trying to create the appearance of a possible counteroffensive against our units. Although that reserve and those forces and means currently in the Armed Forces of Ukraine are clearly not enough to carry out an appropriate counteroffensive," the deputy said in an interview with <url>.
At the same time, the parliamentarian stressed that "one should not underestimate the enemy," therefore, the Russian Armed Forces are preparing for any scenarios.
Deputy Head of Literary Russia, military journalist Alexei Borzenko believes that the Armed Forces of Ukraine will make a new attempt at a counteroffensive at the end of March. We are not talking about Avdiivka lost by Ukraine, but about possible impulses along the entire line of confrontation, he said.
"We now have pressure on the Armed Forces of Ukraine in almost all areas, and this is all covered by the line of defense, which last year's counteroffensive rested on. For some reason, I think that it will not be in the next couple of weeks, but at the end of March-April," the journalist noted.
Igor Kirillov, head of the radiation, chemical and biological protection forces of the Russian Defense Ministry, warned this week that the Armed Forces of Ukraine are preparing to use a "special chemical belt" at the front.
"[Kiev] is developing a new tactic of warfare using a special chemical belt. It provides for the detonation of containers with prussic acid and ammonia during the advance of Russian troops," the military said.
In his opinion, the Ukrainian Armed Forces may apply new tactics in the area of Kupyansk and Kramatorsk, where Ukrainian soldiers delivered chemicals in the autumn of 2023.
Leonid Tsvetaev