Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Minister, Hanna Maliar, has stated that the country will not announce a timeline for its spring counteroffensive against Russian forces.
Speaking in an interview with National Ukrainian broadcaster on Wednesday, Maliar emphasized that such plans are classified and cannot be disclosed.
Maliar added that the expected counteroffensive would not be limited to a few operations but rather a larger effort aimed at liberating the entire Ukrainian territory from Russian occupation.
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She explained that this would involve extensive training of Ukrainian forces on equipment and multiple plans as options.
“The plan is finally chosen so that the enemy does not have time to react to it,” Maliar said. “We need to understand that the Armed Forces are constantly, daily preparing for the complete liberation of our territories.
And this is a huge set of measures, not just a counteroffensive.”
The announcement comes at a time when tensions between Ukraine and Russia have been escalating, with Moscow amassing troops near Ukraine’s eastern border. The Ukrainian military has been on high alert, with reports of skirmishes and casualties on both sides.
Despite calls for a swift and decisive response from the Ukrainian government, Maliar stressed that the country would not announce any specific timeline for the counteroffensive, citing the need for secrecy.
“It is important to understand that there will be no day when the Armed Forces will say: tomorrow we will launch a counteroffensive,” she said. “This is impossible in a time of war because this is classified information.”
The deputy defense minister’s comments underscore the difficult and complex nature of the conflict, with both sides engaging in a high-stakes game of strategy and brinksmanship.
The situation remains highly volatile, with the potential for a major escalation if either side makes a wrong move.
The Ukrainian government has faced intense pressure from its citizens and the international community to take action against Russian aggression.
However, Maliar’s remarks suggest that any counteroffensive will be carefully planned and executed, with secrecy and surprise as key components of the strategy.
As the situation in Ukraine continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the conflict will ultimately be resolved.
However, Maliar’s statement provides a glimpse into the Ukrainian government’s approach to the crisis, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and secrecy in a time of war.
