Ukraine’s counter-offensive towards Russian forces goes extra slowly than some anticipated nevertheless it stays too early to attract conclusions about Kyiv’s prospects for battlefield beneficial properties, a senior Pentagon official stated on Friday.
The US and different allies have spent months constructing Ukraine a so-called “mountain of metal” of weaponry and coaching Ukrainian forces in mixed arms strategies to assist Kyiv pierce formidable Russian defenses throughout its counter-offensive.
However Russia additionally spent months digging into defensive positions, surrounding them with landmines and constructing closely armed fortifications which have made Ukrainian advances within the east and south sluggish and bloody.
Colin Kahl, the Pentagon’s prime coverage advisor, advised reporters Russia was extra profitable digging in “than maybe was absolutely appreciated.”
He expressed confidence Kyiv was doing its finest in a tough struggle.
“It’s too early to guage how the counter offensive goes by hook or by crook as a result of we’re in the beginning of the center,” Kahl stated on the Pentagon.
“They’re nonetheless probing Russian traces (and) Russian areas for weak spots. And the actual take a look at will probably be after they establish these, how quickly they’re in a position to exploit these weak spots.”
Kahl’s remarks got here as he introduced the availability of cluster munitions that the Pentagon hopes will assist guarantee Ukraine has sufficient firepower.
“We wish to be sure that the Ukrainians have enough artillery to maintain them within the struggle within the context of the present counter-offensive, and since issues are going a little bit slower than some had hoped,” he stated.
Some U.S. officers, talking on situation of anonymity, have expressed optimism that Kyiv has all of the weaponry it wants, together with mine-clearing line costs and mine-plows.
Ukraine additionally might have a singular alternative following final month’s armed mutiny by Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, which U.S. officers say uncovered the corrosive results of President Vladimir Putin’s conflict in Ukraine.
On Thursday, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated Prigozhin was nonetheless in Russia with 1000’s of Wagner group fighters.
Kahl on Friday declined to take a position about Prigozhin.
“Prigozhin: The place he’s, what he’s as much as, I do not know,” he stated. “It’s clear that the Russian state is making an attempt to systematically dismantle his empire and put piece components elsewhere. What the last word finish sport Putin has for Prigozhin and the remnants of Wagner I feel continues to be to be decided.”
–Reporting by Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali; Modifying by Leslie Adler and David Gregorio
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