Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has acknowledged that his country's counteroffensive against Russia is "happening probably slower" than some had hoped.
Zelensky's remarks featured in a video released by his office on Tuesday which he made during a meeting with Latin American media outlets over the weekend, CNN reported.
"But all of this is secondary. In some places, there are mines, in some places there are technical difficulties, in some places we have been waiting for long. Or there are other complications. We can be discussing it for a long time," Zelensky said.
"The direction of the counteroffensive, what's wrong with it, what we have enough of, what we lack."
The President went on to say that the "counteroffensive is when the army is attacking and not when it is retreating".
"And this is an important and positive moment. And it is Ukraine that has the initiative. It is very difficult to be fighting for such a long time which is obvious. All this is very difficult when you lack this or that equipment. I know it is difficult for us but I definitely know it is more difficult for the Russians," CNN quoted Zelensky as saying in the video.
"While there is fatigue in the eyes of Ukrainians, there is fear in Russians' eyes," the President added.
The primary challenge for Ukrainian forces is the continued difficulty of breaking through Russia’s multi-layered defensive lines in the eastern and southern parts of the country, which are marked by tens of thousands of mines and vast networks of trenches, reports CNN.
Ukrainian forces have incurred staggering losses there, leading Ukrainian commanders to hold back some units to regroup and reduce casualties.
Air India Express strike: Air India to operate on AIX 20 routes
The Tata-owned Air India will operate 20 Air India Express (AIX) routes to help the latter amid an ongoing strike by cabin crew members, said an airline official on Thursday.
Tripura CM urges Railway Minister to resume train services hit by landslides in Assam
“The Chief Minister is personally monitoring the situation. He has asked the state officials to maintain close contact with the NFR engineers and officials to know the progress of the ongoing work,” an official said.
CCTV pictures of suspected terrorists behind Poonch attack surface
In the attack on the two-vehicle IAF convoy at Surankote tehsil in Poonch district, one air warrior named Corporal Vikky Pahade was killed, while four other IAF personnel were injured.
CMs of northeastern states slam Sam Pitroda's colour of citizens' remark, demand apology
Several Chief Ministers and leaders from the northeastern states condemned Congress leader Sam Pitroda's remark on the 'colour of citizens' and demanded his apology.
Students, faculties of BTVM observes Rabindra Jayanti
The Bhavan's Tripura Vidya Mandir on Wednesday observed Rabindra Jayanti in remembrance of world poet Rabindranath Tagore's birthday, where students and faculties of both the shifts participated.
Rajasthan resident held in state with cannabis worth Rs 1 lakh
A joint operation by the Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Protection Force (RPF) recovered 25 kg of ganja from Agartala railway station and arrested one person hailing from Rajasthan.
CM to campaign for BJP candidates in West Bengal on May 09
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha is set to actively participate in campaigning on May 09 for BJP candidates in the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal, as confirmed by party sources today.
Congress wants to snatch reservation from backward classes and give it to Muslims: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday alleged that the Congress wants to bring a legislation to snatch reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Backward Classes (BCs) and give them to Muslims.