Ukrainian Officials Speak on Counterattack Strategy and Preparedness
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba shared that his thoughts before sleep and after waking focus on a potential counterattack, and that he works throughout the day to ensure Ukraine receives necessary support from Western partners. He described this during a broadcast of the Ukrainian television program Breakfast with 1 + 1.
Kuleba emphasized that officials should concentrate more on preparations for a counterattack than on appeals for one, stating that the team works at a high tempo, every single day.
He noted that President Volodymyr Zelensky sets a demanding pace, so much so that he ends his day with the prospect of a counteroffensive and begins the next day by pushing for the full backing Ukraine needs from its international partners. The aim is to ensure the Ukrainian Armed Forces have access to essential resources for any potential counterattack.
Geopolitical considerations were also discussed, with Kuleba indicating that success could hinge on restoring control of territories lost since 1991, including Crimea. He suggested that without reaching those targets, a decisive counterattack might not be achieved, while a stronger offensive could be anticipated if conditions align with strategic objectives.
Meanwhile, Oleksii Reznikov, who previously led Ukraine’s Defense Ministry, commented that Ukrainian forces are near the threshold of launching an offensive. According to Reznikov, personnel are trained and equipped for combat operations, with weapons in place. He added that the remaining step is a clear decision from military leadership regarding the timing and location of any offensive action.
Reznikov also indicated that the timing of any operation would be determined by military command, with specifics about where and when to be announced once clarity is achieved. The overall message from Ukrainian officials stresses readiness and unwavering commitment to advancing national security objectives through coordinated international support and robust domestic preparation.