Ukraine's senior ground forces commander said Thursday that Ukrainian soldiers, who have been in a defensive position for four months, would unleash a hard counterstrike "very soon" and take advantage of Russia's waning aggression in Bakhmut.
Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi's statements were the clearest sign so far from Kyiv that the government is considering a strategy change after enduring Russia's attack all winter.
Syrskyi stated on Telegram that Russia's Wagner mercenaries, fighting Bakhmut in the war's worst and deadliest engagement, "are losing considerable strength and are running out of steam," per Reuters.
The military official said: "Very soon, we will take advantage of this opportunity," as Ukraine forces did in the past at Kyiv, Kharkiv, Balakliya, and Kupiansk. He also noted Ukrainian counterattacks last year that turned the Russi-Ukraine war around and reclaimed territory.
Ukraine's military released an update on the situation near Bakhmut on Wednesday, saying that Russian offensive capability is dwindling as Moscow deploys massive numbers of soldiers in an attempt to conquer the city, according to CNN.
UN, EU Leaders To Tackle Russia-Ukraine War Situation, Food Shortages
Meanwhile, EU leaders will meet with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to address the Russia-Ukraine war situation, including food shortages and sanctions, per diplomats and officials.
As the UN and Turkey renewed an agreement allowing the safe transit of Ukrainian grain over the Black Sea, Guterres was invited to attend a European Union conference in Brussels, Al Jazeera reported.
The leaders will also unveil a proposal approved by foreign ministers on Monday to supply a million artillery rounds to Kyiv over the next year to bolster its defense in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
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