Zelenskyy announces long-awaited counteroffensive against Russia - admits ... trends now
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Ukraine is ready to launch a sensational counteroffensive to take back areas of Russian occupied territory.
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Zelenskyy insisted: 'We strongly believe that we will succeed'.
'I don't know how long it will take,' he continued. 'To be honest, it can go a variety of ways, completely different. But we are going to do it, and we are ready.'
The planned counteroffensive comes after President Joe Biden has poured over $75 billion into the conflict, while Zelenskyy said last month the attack would only be possible when more armored vehicles arrived on the front lines.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, pictured speaking on June 2, 2023, has announced the Ukrainian military is readying a counteroffensive against Russian forces
In recent weeks, Ukrainian military officials have increased the number of strikes on Russian ammunition depots.
And amid a stretch of dry weather in the region that readies battleground conditions, anticipation has grown over the long-awaited counteroffensive push.
However, Zelenskyy admitted that Russia's aerial dominance could be devastating, as he predicted his military would suffer heavy losses.
'A large number of soldiers will die,' he said.
His comments came as Ukraine continues to push for NATO membership, however he admitted he didn't expect to join while the conflict was ongoing.
Instead, he said he is seeking a pledge that Ukraine will be admitted later, which he plans to secure at a summit in Vilnius, Lithuania in July.
'If we are not given a signal in Vilnius, I believe there is no point for Ukraine to be at this summit,' he said.
When asked if he thought the crucial deal would be made at the summit, he said: 'I don't know. I honestly don't know.'
