Kiev's counteroffensive in spring to be 'decisive': US SECARMY

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
29 Mar 01:17

When asked if she thought if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may be ready to come to the negotiating table, US Army Secretary Christine Wormuth declined to answer.

US Army Secretary Christine Wormuth testify during a Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill in May 2022 (Getty Images)

During a congressional hearing on Tuesday, US Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said that Ukraine's counteroffensive this spring will be highly decisive to the conflict's future.

"I think this spring, what happens this spring will be very, very instructive and perhaps decisive in terms of the next counteroffensive," Wormuth said when asked what is the likelihood for a resolution to the Ukraine conflict.

According to Wormuth, the US must do everything in its power to provide Ukraine with the required assistance to counter Russia's military operation.

When asked if she thought if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may be ready to come to the negotiating table, she declined to answer.

A week ago, Zelensky said that Ukraine, under present circumstances, is not in the capacity to launch a counteroffensive due to a shortage in weapons.

He continued, saying that the situation in the country's east is "unfavorable" and that Ukraine is currently waiting for its allies to supply it with weaponry.

This comes shortly after Zelensky beseeched European leaders to deliver lethal weapons at a faster rate than they are being delivered, as he addressed a gathering of his EU allies via video link from a Ukrainian train.

He further warned that any delays in sending fighter jets and long-range missiles could prolong the war.

An analysis by The Washington Post on March 23 argued that the Pentagon's new plan to expedite the delivery of Abrams battle tanks and Poland and Slovakia's decision to provide fighter jets are just two examples of how the US and its allies are stepping up support for Ukraine's military.

The UK likewise vowed to supply Kiev's forces with depleted uranium ammunition to be used in combat with the Challenger 2 tanks it pledged to supply.

The weapon is widely known to have been a major cause in triggering spikes in cancer cases and birth defects in Iraq and Libya where the weapon was used during the US and NATO's military invasions.