Shape of Ukraine’s counteroffensive to be decided just before it begins, official says
Oleksii Danilov (Photo:NSDC)
Ukraine’s General Staff has developed several alternative plans for the much-anticipated major counteroffensive, with the ultimate scenario being selected “at the last possible moment,” Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) secretary, Oleksiy Danilov told Ukrainian TV broadcasters on April 13.
“We are appraised of everything that’s going on at the front line,” said Danilov.
“All the speculation about the plans of the Ukrainian military, in particular regarding the counteroffensive, are utterly baseless. Everything will be decided at the last moment, when the final decision is taken.”
He noted that the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) has prepared “not one, not two, not three, and even not four possible scenarios,” with the ultimate choice depending on a multitude of factors that are evaluated daily.
“We have an understanding that we have to liberate all our territory, up to (our internationally recognized) 1991 borders,” Danilov adds.
“Until we achieve that, until the AFU manages that, ending the war is out of the question.”
Citing sources close to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, CNN previously reported that the recent U.S. intel leaks forced Kyiv to alter some of its military plans. Commenting on the matter, Danilov cautioned Ukraine’s Western partners to be “more vigilant” with handling of sensitive information.
While Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov repeatedly maintained that the counteroffensive could begin in April-May, PM Denys Shmyhal recently said the operation may begin as late as summer, suggesting a certain delay had to be made.
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