Russia's military invasion of Ukraine continues.
Russian and Ukrainian forces are fighting in various parts of Ukraine, and many civilians have fled the country. We will update the situation in Ukraine from time to time on the 13th (Japan time), including the status of the battle and the diplomacy of the countries concerned.
(There is a 6-hour time difference between Japan and Ukraine and Moscow, Russia)
Ukrainian Prime Minister Asks US to Provide Fighter Jets and Long-Range Missiles
As Ukraine, which is being invaded militarily by Russia, is ready to embark on a large-scale reversal offensive, Ukrainian Prime Minister Shumichali, who is visiting the United States, met with Secretary of Defense Austin at the Pentagon on the 12th.
"We will win this war, but we still need strong support to achieve it faster and at less," Shumichali said, calling for F-15 and F-16 fighter jets, which the U.S. has not responded to, as well as long-range missiles.
Russian Armed Forces Large Defense Line in Zaporozhye Oblast, UK Ministry of Defence Analyzes
The British Ministry of Defense pointed out in an analysis on the 12th that Russian troops are building a large defensive line in Zaporozhye Oblast in southern Ukraine.
Noting that a triple defense zone has been created for about 120 kilometers, he analyzes that "Russia is convinced that the Ukrainian army will counterattack the main city of Melitopol in the state and is focusing on defense."
The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces also pointed out on April 3 that Russia is preparing to strengthen its defense lines, including the construction of a large-scale zango in the south, and move local residents to other areas, and it seems that the Russian side is increasing its vigilance against a reversal offensive.
Ukrainian Prime Minister: "The counteroffensive could be launched by summer"
In Ukraine, which is being invaded by Russia, the defense minister indicated in March that tanks supplied by Germany and other countries will be deployed to the front line by around May, and the Ukrainian army is expected to embark on a large-scale reversal offensive against Russia as early as this spring.
In this connection, Ukrainian Prime Minister Shumichali said in an interview published in the electronic edition of the American political magazine "The Hill" on the 3th that "the counteroffensive may be launched by the summer."
Prime Minister Shumichali said, "We need to be at least 5% prepared to launch a counterattack," and emphasized that "we need more artillery and ammunition, medium- and long-range missiles, tanks, and fighter jets," pointing out that the reason for this is the lack of weapons and ammunition needed for a counteroffensive at the moment.