Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared his country's intent to launch a counteroffensive aimed at liberating regions under Russian occupation, dismissing the notion of attacking Russian territory. He shared these remarks during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin, reiterating Ukraine's objective to reclaim territories within its internationally recognized borders.
Reports from The Washington Post had earlier referenced undisclosed U.S. intelligence documents, suggesting that Zelenskyy contemplated seizing areas in Russia for leverage in peace negotiations. Such a move would contradict the stance of Western nations that have supplied weapons to Ukraine under the condition they are not used to attack Russian targets.
Zelenskyy clarified Ukraine's position saying, “We don’t attack Russian territory, we liberate our own legitimate territory.” He emphasized that Ukraine lacks the resources and time to attack Russia, and instead is planning a counteroffensive for the areas illegally occupied by Russia, in accordance with its constitutionally defined borders recognized globally.
Zelenskyy's statements come as he visits international allies to secure more arms and funds to combat the Russian invasion and rebuild from the year-long conflict's wreckage. His tour includes a stop in Berlin, where Germany recently pledged over 2.7 billion euros in military aid for Ukraine, including tanks, anti-aircraft systems, and ammunition.
Zelenskyy lauded Germany's support, recognizing the country as a vital ally, and stated his intention to push Germany to be the largest donor to Ukraine. Germany has already provided Kyiv approximately 17 billion euros in bilateral aid, with promises of more to come. Chancellor Scholz reassured Ukraine of Germany's continued support until Russia withdraws its troops, bringing the war to an end.
In addition to his visit to Berlin, Zelenskyy is also scheduled for an unexpected visit to Paris to discuss matters with French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron intends to reaffirm France and Europe's unwavering backing of Ukraine in the defense of its legitimate rights and fundamental interests.
Meanwhile, back in Ukraine, officials denied any involvement in the downing of two Russian helicopters near the border. The Ukrainian President and German Chancellor jointly expressed their support for bringing those accountable for atrocities in Ukraine to justice, with a particular mention of the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Following discussions with Scholz and other senior officials, Zelenskyy received the esteemed International Charlemagne Prize in Aachen, awarded to him and the people of Ukraine. During his acceptance speech, Zelenskyy accused Russia of attempting to rewind European history through its assault on Ukraine.
The Ukrainian conflict continues to see tragic developments, with civilians losing their lives due to explosive shells and drone attacks. The Ukrainian military reports a massive attack involving Iranian-made drones, resulting in significant property damage and casualties. Russian forces also struck the western city of Ternopil and the southern city of Mykolaiv with rockets, causing an unspecified number of civilian injuries.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Case_Blue -- and later Soviet offensives. Historically, NOTHING (of strategic note) happens in May over there.
Ukraine Counter Offensive:
Phase 1. Russian in-house fighting.
Phase 2. Stop laughing.
Phase 3.
Ukraine has been saying they are going to launch a counteroffensive for months now. When they actually do it, please wake me up.