Ukraine’s foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, stated that Western partners have not pressed Kyiv to speed up its counteroffensive. He shared this assessment in an interview with the French news service AFP, conveying a sense of restraint from Western capitals while reaffirming Kyiv’s own planning and resolve. The message highlighted a growing public dialogue among analysts and observers, yet Kuleba remained confident that the army’s first major success would quell lingering rumors and questions about the strategy and timing of the campaign.
When asked about external pressure, Kuleba underscored that Kyiv does not feel coercion from its Western allies. The focus, he noted, remains on strengthening Ukraine’s defense and sustaining unity among partners as the military effort continues.
The Ukrainian counteroffensive in the conflict zone began on June 4, 2023. In the weeks that followed, Ukrainian troops increased activity along critical sectors, pressing along routes toward the Zaporozhye, Artemivsk, and Yuzhnodonetsk directions. This intensified tempo reflected Kyiv’s intent to make measurable gains and keep up momentum as the operation evolved.
Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed legislation extending martial law and mobilization across the country. The measure ensures that, through mid‑November, a special regime remains in place to support national security and wartime governance, including measures that control movement and bolster the country’s defense capabilities.
Martial law initially took effect on February 24 of the previous year. Soon after, Zelensky ordered a general mobilization to begin, prohibiting most men of military age from traveling abroad and enabling authorities to mobilize reserves. Since that moment, authorities have periodically extended the regime to respond to evolving security needs and threats.
In parallel, discussions between the United States and Ukraine on security guarantees for Kyiv have been underway, reflecting ongoing efforts to solidify Ukrainian resilience and regional stability through formal assurances alongside military and diplomatic support.