The possibility of Ukrainian troops launching a major counteroffensive in the Zaporozhye Region in the coming days remains, justifying the evacuation of residents of nearby villages and towns, according to Vladimir Rogov, a senior official of the Zaporozhye regional administration, who spoke to Sputnik on Sunday.

On Thursday, Rogov stated that Kiev has amassed sufficient soldiers in the front lines to start a counteroffensive. On Friday, acting governor of the Zaporozhye Region Yevgeny Balitsky indicated that Ukraine may launch a counteroffensive in the next days or even hours. Residents of 18 villages along the front lines have been relocated for safety reasons farther into the area, according to Balitsky.
 
"There were assumptions that the counteroffensive in the Zaporozhye Region might start on May 5 or 6, but this did not happen. However, a high probability of the counteroffensive being launched in the upcoming days still persists. Both our troops and the enemy are ready to intensify military actions," Rogov stated.
 
The planned counteroffensive in Ukraine is likely to be followed by bombardment of surrounding communities, therefore the authorities' decision to temporarily transfer the population is reasonable, according to the official. People will be allowed to return home after Ukrainian soldiers are driven back.

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.

The region's acting governor Yevgeny Balitsky also confirmed on Friday that the counteroffensive may begin within days or even hours.

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. 

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

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