Zelensky promised to stop the Russian offensive in the East

The Armed Forces of Ukraine will be able to stop the offensive of Russian troops after deliveries of new batches of weapons to Ukraine, including from the accepted US aid package.

About this was announced by the President of Ukraine during a joint press conference with the head of the European Parliament, Roberta Metzola, on May 9 in Kyiv. According to Zelenskyi, the current supply of weapons is not exactly what Ukraine expected.

“Yes, there is supply, but not the volumes that were voted for (by the US Congress – ed). As soon as they arrive, we will stop their initiative in the east of the country,” Zelenskyy said.

He emphasized that currently Russia is taking advantage of Ukraine's lack of weapons. Therefore, it increased the number of its troops in the north and east. However, according to Zelenskyi, the enemy “is not doing as well as they expected”.

Speaking about US military aid, Zelenskyi said that it would take weeks or even months for the promised weapons to arrive in Ukraine. At the same time, he added that Ukrainian weapons, the production of which has increased, help the Ukrainian forces to hold on. The President listed that, in particular, it is about increasing the production of artillery, artillery shells and drones, as well as “Stugna” and “Korsar” ATGMs. Zelenskyi also noted that military rotations are already taking place, but instead of “departing brigades, fully equipped brigades should enter”.

Where are the occupiers currently advancing

The Armed Forces of Ukraine said that Russian troops are carrying out offensive actions on Chasiv Yar in the Donetsk region, both in the “front” and in the flanks. They are trying to advance in the directions of Andriyivka and Ivanovo.

Before that, according to The New York Times, Russian troops captured about six villages in Donbas. This underscores the worsening situation in the region for Ukrainian fighters who are waiting for long-needed American military aid. Difficult weeks are ahead for Ukraine, a large-scale offensive of the invaders is expected soon.

As analysts of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) write, Russia has certain advantages on the front and will try to use this factor during the planned summer offensive. But, in their opinion, the Armed Forces of Ukraine will be able to prevent a significant operational advance of Russian troops. The Armed Forces will be able to launch a counteroffensive at the end of 2024 or at the beginning of 2025. But it will not be large-scale, it is only about separate operations, experts say.