Zelenskyy says Ukrainian counteroffensive against Russia is underway
Kyiv, June 10 (EFE).- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed on Saturday that Ukraine had initiated a counteroffensive against Russian forces, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict.
Speaking at a joint news conference with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who arrived in Kyiv on a previously unannounced trip, Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s determination to defend its independence and freedom.
“Despite all Russia’s efforts to bow our people, Ukrainians continue to fight for independence and freedom. And in our victory, we will stand together just as we are standing now – on our way to defend life and people,” Zelenskyy tweeted.
He posted a 2-minute and 41-second video of Trudeau arriving at the presidential palace and meeting with the Ukrainian president.
“Counteroffensive and defensive actions are underway in Ukraine — I will not go into detail about which stage,” the Ukrainian president said.
He stated that he would not trust “various Telegram channels, and especially” Russian President Vladimir Putin.
On Friday, Putin said the long-expected counteroffensive had started and that the Ukrainians suffered “significant” losses in attempting to breach Moscow’s defense lines.
“We can clearly say the offensive has started, as indicated by the Ukrainian army’s use of strategic reserves,” Putin told reporters in Sochi on Friday, where he met with heads of other states in the Eurasian Economic Union.
Zelenskyy mocked the Russian president’s assertions.
“It’s interesting what Putin said about our counteroffensive. It is important that Russia always feels this – that they do not have much time left, in my opinion,” Zelenskyy said.
“It seems to me that many steps have already been taken. It seems to me that you have to trust our military, and I do trust them.”
He mentioned that he was in daily contact with all military commands. “Everyone is in a positive mood right now – pass that on to Putin.”
Trudeau announced a new military aid package for Ukraine and promised that his country would participate in the training of Ukrainian pilots in handling F-16 fighter jets.
The Canadian leader stated that his country would spend $500 million to help Ukraine’s military fight the Russian invasion.
The package includes the transfer of 288 AIM-7 missiles for air defense systems to Ukraine.
Canada will also extend the mandate of the UNIFIER military training mission until 2026, within which more than 35,000 Ukrainian soldiers have already been trained in the past eight years. EFE
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