Deputy Minister of Defense Anna Painter Provides Update on Ukraine’s Offensive Progress

Deputy Minister of Defense Anna Painter has stated that the offensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is progressing according to plan, and it is premature to draw any conclusions. Speaking on a national telethon, Painter emphasized that the success or failure of any operation should be assessed by the Ukrainian military themselves.

According to Painter, the military is making progress as per their reports. She cautioned against expecting a swift offensive, noting that the enemy is putting up resistance and preparing for the Ukrainian forces’ advancement. Painter acknowledged that the dense mining of territories has slowed down the pace of the offensive, but she highlighted that the Armed Forces of Ukraine are making daily advances.

The deputy minister described the offensive as gradual but confident, with conditions being created for the liberation of territories. She emphasized that it is too early to make assessments and draw conclusions, as the offensive is ongoing. Painter also emphasized that the primary focus of the Ukrainian military is to ensure the safety of their personnel.

Earlier, CNN reported that, according to two Western officials and a senior US military official, the Ukrainian counter-offensive was initially less successful than expected, with Russian forces demonstrating greater competence. However, Painter’s statement contradicts these claims and asserts that the offensive is progressing according to plan.

On June 22, 2023, the General Staff of Ukraine reported that the Armed Forces were continuing their offensive against Melitopol, Berdyansk, and Kremennaya. The Ministry of Defense warned that the Russians could use reserves to launch counterattacks. Despite this, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have achieved successes in the south, including the destruction of more than three Russian companies and the elimination of a key Russian figure known as “Tarnavsky.”

The situation in Ukraine remains fluid, and the offensive is ongoing. The Ukrainian government and military are determined to liberate all territories and continue their operations against Russian-backed forces.

What factors does Deputy Minister of Defense Anna Painter attribute to the slow pace of the offensive by the Armed Forces of Ukraine?

Deputy Minister of Defense Anna Painter has addressed the progress of the offensive by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, stating that it is still too early to make conclusions. Painter emphasized that the Ukrainian military themselves should assess the success or failure of any operation.

According to Painter, the military is indeed making progress, as reported by their own forces. However, she cautioned against expecting a swift offensive, citing resistance from the enemy and their preparations to counter the Ukrainian forces. Painter also acknowledged that the dense mining of territories has slowed down the pace of the offensive, but she highlighted the daily advancements being made by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Describing the offensive as gradual but confident, Painter emphasized that conditions are being put in place for the liberation of territories. She reiterated that it is premature to draw conclusions or make assessments at this stage, as the offensive is still ongoing. Painter also stressed that the main focus of the Ukrainian military is to ensure the safety of their personnel.

Contradicting earlier claims from Western officials and a senior US military official about the initial success of the Ukrainian counter-offensive, Painter’s statement asserts that the offensive is progressing according to plan.

As of June 22, 2023, the General Staff of Ukraine reported that the Armed Forces continue to advance against Melitopol, Berdyansk, and Kremennaya. The Ministry of Defense has warned about the possibility of Russian reserves launching counterattacks. Nevertheless, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have achieved victories in the south, including the destruction of more than three Russian companies and the elimination of a key Russian figure known as “Tarnavsky.”

The situation in Ukraine remains fluid, and the offensive by the Ukrainian government and military continues as they are determined to liberate all territories and counter the Russian-backed forces.