A senior official at the U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) revealed on Friday that the Ukrainian counteroffensive against Russian forces is progressing at a slower pace than anticipated, but it is still premature to draw conclusions regarding Kyiv’s potential gains on the battlefield.
Deputy Secretary of Defense for Policy, Colin Kahl, told reporters, “It is too early to judge the progress of the counteroffensive,” according to Reuters. He added, “They are still testing Russian lines and Russian territory to identify weaknesses,” further stating that “the real test will be when they identify these weaknesses and determine how quickly they can exploit them.”
Cluster Munitions Provided
These statements came at a time when the United States announced the provision of cluster munitions, hoping to ensure that Ukraine has sufficient firepower. Kahl stated, “We want to make sure that the Ukrainians have enough artillery to sustain them in the current counteroffensive, and because things are progressing a little slower than some had hoped.”
Some U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed optimism that Kyiv has all the necessary weapons, including mine-clearing devices and mine sweepers.
Operation “Steel Mountain”
It is worth noting that the United States and other allies have spent months building what is known as “Operation Steel Mountain” of weapons in Ukraine and training Ukrainian forces on joint weapon systems to assist Kyiv in penetrating the massive Russian defenses during its counteroffensive.
However, Moscow has also spent months digging defensive positions, deploying landmines, and constructing fortified structures that have slowed Ukraine’s progress in the east and south.
