NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg on Counteroffensive: "Ukrainians Surpass Expectations Again and Again"
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated that Ukrainian forces are successfully pushing back Russian occupiers during counteroffensive operations, gradually displacing the enemy from their positions, and demonstrating the ability to breach certain fortified lines of the aggressors.
He made these remarks in an interview with CNN.
"We have witnessed the Ukrainians surpass expectations once again. We must remember that it all began last year with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine - at that time, experts believed that Ukraine would only hold out for a few days or weeks. However, they liberated the north - Kyiv, the east - Kharkiv region, and territory in the south - Kherson. And now, they are achieving even greater successes," Stoltenberg said.
The NATO Secretary General also highlighted the fierce battles on the fronts, noting that the Ukrainians on their challenging path to victory "are achieving successes that are gaining momentum."
He also disagreed with critical assessments by some Western military officials and experts regarding the slow pace of progress of the Ukrainian Defence Forces in this campaign. He added that there is a "constant dialogue" between NATO allies and the Ukrainian side.
Overall, Stoltenberg provided a positive assessment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' counteroffensive and emphasized the importance of support from partners and allies.
He underscored that NATO allies are providing an unprecedented level of military support to Ukraine, but key decisions rest with the Ukrainians.
"They can push back the Russians, they can penetrate certain heavily fortified territories, including minefields. Therefore, it is even more important now to support them, because everyone knows this is a tough fight... But they have achievements, they are gaining strength," Stoltenberg added.
The NATO Secretary General emphasized that Ukrainians are gradually advancing in their counteroffensive, and allies should trust how the Ukrainian forces are conducting their combat operations.
Earlier, the Pentagon also positively assessed the course of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' counteroffensive.
Previously, it was reported that the Pentagon has guaranteed funding for military support to Ukraine.
In early August, the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden requested Congressional approval to allocate over $22 billion to Ukraine by the end of the year.