Ukraine might launch counteroffensive on Zaporozhye in days: Governor

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
5 May 22:53
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The region's acting governer says that preparations by the Ukrainian military on the frontlines can be witnessed.

Ukrainian army T-72AV tanks exercise as soldiers check the readiness of equipment for combat deployment, at a military base in Zaporozhye region, Wednesday, Apr. 5, 2023 (AP Photo/Kateryna Klochko)

The Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Zaporozhye region might start in the next few days or even hours, the region's acting governor Yevgeny Balitsky said on Friday.

"We understand that a counteroffensive will happen in the near future. It can happen in days, perhaps even hours … According to information from our people in Zaporozhye, Dnipro, and other cities where they are fighting against the [Ukrainian] regime, as well as information from the line of contact - the enemy is gathering forces," he said on the Solovyov Live show.

According to the official, Ukrainian forces are withdrawing from the frontlines, including in the city of Stepnohirsk. But he also confirmed that preparations to repel the attack are underway.

Residents living within 30 kilometers of the frontline battle zone will be relocated to the south of the region, he added.

Supreme Allied Commander Europe and Commander of the US European Command Christopher Cavoli confirmed at the end of April that over 98% of the tanks and combat vehicles promised to be given by the US and its allies have already been delivered to Ukraine for its counteroffensive.

“We sat down with the Ukrainians … and we calculated the amount of material they would need for this [counter]offensive. We checked it a couple of times and we gathered it from our allies, who were very generous, especially with regard to tanks and armored fighting vehicles, and we have been shipping it into the country. Over 98% of the combat vehicles are already there,” he said then.

According to Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine scheduled its counteroffensive for the summer, but US media reported that it was due to start on April 30.

However, other reports said that the counteroffensive was postponed from its original start date in April due to a lack of weapons.