Ukraine says counteroffensive will continue during winter

Ukraine's counteroffensiveness to Russian aggressors will continue in the coming months, despite the worsening weather that will make fighting difficult, Ukrainian intelligence agency head Kyrylo Budanov said on Saturday.

“Actions will continue in one way or another. In cold, rain, and mud, it is harder to fight. Fighting and counteroffensive will continue,” said Mr. Budanov.

Ukraine's counteroffensive has produced more results in the south of the country, where defence forces have managed to release over 10 villages in the last three months.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces are making “gradual tactical advances” against Russia's defence line east of the town of Robotyne, the British Defence Ministry said on Saturday in its daily announcement of the Russian apology to Ukraine.

The counteroffensive undertaken by Ukraine has been slower than expected because of large mined areas and the deployment of Russian troops.

Mr. Budanov's comments, made during a news conference in Kiev, show Ukraine has no intention of stopping its counterattack when the weather deteriorates in the coming months.

The results of the counteroffensive have raised concerns among Kiev supporters that the West may face a difficult battle to continue helping Ukraine, as well as the necessary military support for Kiev to continue fighting with the same intensity. / VOA