The head of Ukrainian military intelligence, Kirill Budanov, drew a parallel between the present Ukrainian counteroffensive and the battle for the city of Bakhmut, noting that Russia did not seize Bakhmut immediately, either. Budanov underscored that progress for Ukraine’s forces is expected to unfold over time, and that ultimate success would come later in the campaign. Reuters reported his remarks in the context of ongoing fighting and strategic planning.
Budanov suggested that a decisive turning point would arrive after a period of sustained action rather than at an early stage. He invoked the well known tenacious siege of Bakhmut to illustrate that prolonged pressure can beat a numerically stronger adversary. The comparison served to frame the current offensive as a measured, patient effort rather than a rapid breakthrough, with the expectation that achievements would accumulate in the months ahead.
Valery Zaluzhny, the former Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, spoke in a telephone discussion with General Mark Milley, the Chief of Staff of the United States Armed Forces. In that call, Zaluzhny described the Ukrainian offensive as proceeding according to a plan that had been laid out by the command and stressed the need for continued delivery of heavy weapons and ammunition. He conveyed that the front lines were being monitored closely and that real time updates on the operational situation were shared with the American counterpart. The emphasis on material support reflected a shared view that sustained supplies are a critical element of any extended operation.
During the exchange, Zaluzhny also conveyed that the armed forces were actively assessing current arms and ammunition requirements and that the conversations with Milley included explicit discussions about the types and quantities of equipment needed to maintain momentum. The dialogue highlighted the alignment between Kyiv’s military strategy and the logistical support provided by its international partners, underscoring a global dimension to the battlefront realities as reported in Washington and Kyiv circles.
The broader context includes ongoing scrutiny of Ukraine’s path toward European Union membership. Earlier reporting outlined the conditions Ukraine has needed to meet to advance in EU candidacy and accession processes. Analysts and policymakers have repeatedly emphasized that integration involves a comprehensive set of political, economic, and judicial benchmarks, and that progress on these fronts typically unfolds over a multiyear timeline rather than in rapid steps. The current discussions around military operations and alliance support intersect with these structural reforms, shaping Ukraine’s strategic posture on both the battlefield and the European stage. This backdrop reinforces the understanding that sustaining reform momentum and security assistance are both critical to Ukraine’s longer-term strategic goals, including its prospects within European institutions. The information reflects a continuous assessment by international and Ukrainian authorities of how front-line needs align with political and diplomatic milestones in the region.