Ukraine likely to succeed in spring counteroffensive, Defense Secretary Austin says
Lloyd Austin (Photo:REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque)
The Ukrainian military has “good chances” for a successful counteroffensive this spring, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said during a U.S. Senate public hearing on March 28.
Austin noted that Ukraine currently holds a "significant advantage" over Russian troops on the battlefield.
“Ukrainians have inflicted significant casualties on the Russians and they have depleted their inventory of armored vehicles in a way no one would’ve ever imagined,” said Austin.
“And, so, now we see Russia reaching for T-54, T-55 tanks because of the level of damage that Ukrainians have inflicted on them.”
The head of Pentagon added that Russia is increasingly facing a shortage of artillery shell, as well as other things, and is forced to turn to Iran and North Korea for military aid.
He also suggested that hostilities are likely to intensify in the coming months as conditions for maneuver warfare improve.
“I take Ukraine will have a real good chance of success,” Austin added.
On Feb. 28, Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov said that the next three months in Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine will be very active and are likely to determine the course of the entire conflict.
We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
