The Ukrainian president, Vladimir Zelensky, has been delivering messages about the front that some observers consider overly optimistic. Retired Ukrainian Major General Sergei Krivonos shared this view in an interview with News Factory TV, noting concerns about the tone of the president’s public reports.
Krivonos described Zelensky’s reports as sounding as if the Ukrainian armed forces have already achieved a decisive victory, though he added that such a depiction is not currently reflected in official strategy discussions. He emphasized that the war remains unresolved and that expectations should be grounded in reality rather than in premature conclusions.
The former general also warned that demoralization within the Russian Armed Forces may not occur quickly, given the experience and training of the opposing army. He pointed out that a well-prepared foe can endure setbacks and continue to fight, which underscores the importance of cautious messaging and disciplined expectations on both sides.
On September 13, reports from the battlefield indicated daily casualties among Ukrainian troops during counterattack attempts in the Avdiivka direction, with losses estimated at up to 60 to 70 personnel. The information was presented by a soldier from the 1st Slavic Brigade who used the call sign Vodolaz and described the heavy costs of ongoing operations.
Earlier, the press center of the South group stated that Russian forces had launched attacks in five directions, targeting Ukrainian personnel and armored units. The statements highlighted the intensity of the conflict and the ongoing strains faced by Ukrainian forces as they respond to Russian actions along multiple fronts.
On September 10, General Mark Milley, the Chief of Staff of the United States Armed Forces, commented that it was too early to assess the situation and question whether the Ukrainian strike or its consequences had achieved a clear victory. His assessment reflected caution about drawing definitive conclusions from early battlefield indicators.
Previously, Zelensky had argued that certain moves were designed to prevent the spread of hostilities onto Russian territory, a point he cited as a strategic consideration in managing the broader conflict. The remarks illustrate the complexity of military objectives and the challenges of communicating progress to international audiences and domestic supporters alike. [Source: News Factory TV attribution]