Ukrainian President Zelensky emphasized that he would continue the offensive by visiting key locations in the eastern Kharkiv region, which had been controlled by the invading Russian army, and recapturing them from the Russian army.
The Ukrainian army is continuing its reversal offensive in Kharkiv province in the east. It takes time, physical strength and patience.”
In addition, on the 14th, President Zelensky visited Izyum, an important base in Kharkiv Oblast, and emphasized that it had been recaptured from the Russian army by raising the national flag and emphasizing the stance of continuing the offensive to recapture other regions. Did.
Russia's state media barely reported on Ukraine's reversal offensive, but in a political debate program broadcast on state television on the 12th, a prominent film director who appeared said, "I have to admit defeat this time. If we don't, we will suffer an even more serious defeat."
In response to these points, Mr. Kadyrov, a militant aide who shows loyalty to President Putin and who leads the Chechen fighters in the invasion of Ukraine, released a video on SNS on the 14th, saying, Let's reassure them. We will not back down anywhere."
On the other hand, while some in the Russian parliament are of the opinion that the public should be mobilized, the chairman of the lower house of parliament and a senior ruling party leader, Borodin, said on the 14th, "This is a military operation. The important thing is national security." There was also a scene asking lawmakers to discuss privately.
Military Expert “Ukraine Advances Slower”
A Ukrainian military expert told NHK that while the Ukrainian army will intensify its reversal offensive toward the east, if it advances further east, the Russian army will be in an area where it is easier for the Russian army to receive logistical support from Russia. He indicated the prospect that the speed at which the troops would advance would slow down.
Ukrainian military expert Musienko said in an interview with NHK in the capital Kyiv on the 14th that the Ukrainian army's reversal offensive in the eastern part of the country "had the result of losing the opportunity for the Russian army to seize control of the eastern Donbass region." pointed out.
He also said that Ukrainian forces would move further east, but that the Russian forces would be more likely to receive logistical support from Russia. He said it would be difficult for the Ukrainian military to advance at the speed it has shown since last week.
On the other hand, regarding Russia's next move, he said, "After the defeat in Kharkiv, the main objective of the Russian army will be to hold its forces and hold out until the winter, when it will threaten Ukraine and the West with energy problems." I think we can put pressure on it," he said, suggesting that Russia is aiming to cause "support fatigue" in the West by prolonging the fighting.