We Are Impressed by Ukraine’s Progress in the Counter-Offensive – Victoria Nuland

The Ukrainian counter-offensive is difficult, but the progress achieved, considering the conditions in which it is taking place, is impressive. That was said by the acting US Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) Annual Meeting “The Future is Being Decided in Ukraine”, organised by YES in partnership with the Victor Pinchuk Foundation.

“This counter-offensive has been kilometre by kilometre, but we are impressed by the progress made, especially in the south," she added.

The acting US Deputy Secretary of State told the YES Annual Meeting participants that Russia has built, over many months, strong defences in the occupied south of Ukraine, which she nevertheless believes can be overcome given continued close cooperation between the governments of the United States and Ukraine.

“The defences that Russia has put in place are the largest in 100 years. We need to understand what Ukraine needs to clear these defences, and we cannot do that until Ukraine confronts the defences. We got a good sense of what was needed when we were here. That is why we are trying to work closely with the Ukrainian government, providing equipment for mechanized demining, long-range artillery, and other tools," stressed the US Acting Deputy Secretary of State.

She emphasized that the US had been explaining to all partners in Europe, Asia, and Africa what negative consequences there would be for global security, if Ukraine does not win this war. 

 “If Ukraine does not win, if Putin succeeds, this type of evil will be normalised across the world. Ukraine stands on the right side of democracy and needs our support,” she emphasised.