Progress of Ukraine Counteroffensive Slower, President Zelensky: Many Lives are At Stake

President Zelensky visited Ukrainian Marines on the front lines. (Source: President.gov.ua)

JAKARTA - President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday the progress of Ukraine's counteroffensive was slower than desired, but would not force it to go any faster.

"Some people believe this is a Hollywood movie and expect the outcome now. It's not," said President Zelensky, citing Reuters from the BBC 22 June.

"What is at stake is people's lives," he said.

In a separate video address, President Zelensky highlighted the success of the Ukrainian forces. He said troops were advancing on the southern front and holding defensive lines in the east, which had been the focus of Russian attacks during the nearly 16 months of the invasion.

He specifically mentioned the Kupiansk area in the northeast, where military officials said Russian troops had been increasing pressure.

"In the Kupiansk sector, whatever the Russian terrorists are planning, we destroy the enemy. In the south, we are advancing... In the east, we are maintaining our defenses," President Zelensky said.

Ukraine says it has recaptured eight villages in a long-awaited counteroffensive, its first major gain on the battlefield in seven months.

However, Ukrainian forces have yet to reach the main defensive line that Russia has had to prepare for months.

Kyiv is believed to have spared 12 brigades each of the thousands of troops, most of whom have yet to join the battle.

Despite slow progress on the ground, Washington, one of Ukraine's most important allies, is reportedly campaigning for greater international support for Kyiv among countries that have so far not condemned the Russian invasion.

The Financial Times said White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan will travel to Denmark later this week, to meet officials from India, Brazil, South Africa, Turkey and possibly China in a bid to expand support for Ukraine.