Ukraine has the ability to continue its offensive despite the losses
According to Lloyd Austin, the US Secretary of Defense, despite the initial losses, Ukraine still has sufficient capability and firepower to carry out its counter-offensive. “It’s a war. So we know there will be damage on both sides.”, he underlined during a press briefing at the end of a meeting of the members of the contact group for Ukraine. On this occasion, Oleksii Reznikov and the Ukrainian military commanders briefed the Allied countries and their partners on the situation on the ground and outlined their military needs.
Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed his forces were repelling the offensive and Ukrainian casualties were “catastrophic”. Moscow claimed responsibility for German Leopard tanks and American Bradley tanks supplied to Ukrainian forces. “I think the Russians showed us those same five vehicles about a thousand times from ten different angles”quipped the American Lloyd Austin. “Ukrainians still have great combat capability, great combat power”, he said. Mr Austin stressed the ability of Ukrainians to “recover and repair damaged equipment”. “War is unpredictable and we will continue to provide Ukraine with what it needs to succeed”he assured. “The offense is in its infancy. The fighting is very violent and it is likely to take a long time.warned the general Mark Milley, chief of staff of the armies of the United States.
According the specialized site Oryxwhich lists these losses from photos or videos taken on the battlefield, Kiev lost 4 recently delivered German Leopard tanks, 2 French AMX-10 RC FR reconnaissance tanks and more than 70 Western infantry fighting tanks.
“We need armored vehicles, anti-tank weapons and ammunition to protect our territory and help the Russians find their way home”, said the Ukrainian minister in a tweet. The United States announced the supply of materials, armored vehicles and ammunition for 325 million dollars. Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway and Italy have also announced contributions. Mr. Reznikov welcomed these commitments and welcomed the “important news” of the “bird coalition” formed by Denmark and the Netherlands to train Ukrainian pilots on American F-16 fighter planes. Training is due to start this summer, but ” that will take time “insisted Lloyd Austin. “It is premature to announce dates for the supply of devices”for his part declared General Milley.