Meanwhile, Western leaders have put enormous pressure on Zelensky since December, Hahn says. “The expectation model comes from the idea that it is, for example, Dutch weapons that have been supplied to Ukraine and that something should preferably be done with them before the summer holidays.”
‘Zelensky says he can get on with what’s there and he can be successful with it too. But there would be many deaths and he defines it unacceptable’
The Ukrainian president, in turn, said his troops are ready for an offensive, but supplies continue to arrive in batches. ‘Zelensky says that he can get on with what’s there and that he can also be successful with it. But there would be many deaths and he defines it as unacceptable’, explains the Europe reporter
Misleading
But according to Hahn, even these statements by Zelensky can be misleading. “We saw something similar last fall when Ukraine managed to liberate a number of regions with the help of British and American intelligence services. Even deception is only part of a war.’
While it is true that Ukraine is waiting for a counteroffensive, this is in line with previous statements by Czech President Petr Pavel, who said that Ukraine should strike when it wishes. Ukraine should not allow itself to be rushed by the West and should not rush into the offensive. “In addition, Pavel also said that more mechanized equipment is probably needed for the offensive,” Hahn explains.
Russia’s Wagner Group paramilitary unit, on the other hand, claims that Ukraine’s offensive has already begun. Wagner’s boss, Yevgeny Prigozhin, says on social media that the Ukrainian operation is “partially successful”. For example, the Ukrainians are said to have gained territories in the Bachmoet suburb.
Equipment and ammunition
Ukraine has already received equipment and ammunition from NATO countries. “NATO claims that Ukraine has received all that was promised, but Ukraine claims that NATO countries have not promised all that is needed,” says the European journalist.
“Everything Gets Complicated”
Hahn also notes that Zelensky and Ukraine’s foreign minister say the counteroffensive should rid parts of the country of Russians, but not all at once. ‘At the same time, they also understand that the West must continue to seek support. That makes everything complicated.”