With our correspondent in Kyiv, Stephane Siohan
How does Valery Zaloujny react when he hears that the Ukrainian counter-offensive is starting more slowly than expected? “It bugs me,” he replied to the Washington Post with his usual frankness, addressing Western officials, military pundits and the media who had over-expected the current operations.
The problem, says Zaloujny, is that the counteroffensive, even if it advances 500 meters a day, involves blood.
In this interview, the Supreme Commander-General expressed irritation that the Allies were pushing Ukraine to counterattack, while the Westerners themselves would never have dared to launch such an offensive without air support, which the Ukrainians are currently doing at the cost of human lives.
We understand that despite the courage of the Ukrainians, a deeper advance will be impossible without the support of F16 aircraft, and Zaloujny regrets the West’s delays in the delivery of ammunition and fighter jets.
According to Zalouzhny, the longer the war lasts, the more ammunition will be consumed, and these will become increasingly scarce. It is in everyone’s interest to shorten the war by lending Ukraine the few dozen planes it needs.
It is certain that the interview will be heavily commented on. It will also put Western officials before their responsibilities.
Also read: Ukraine intensifies counteroffensive on several axes