AFU counter-offensive is already underway in some directions – military expert Zgurets

He said this on Espreso TV channel.

“Significant efforts are being made to prepare for counter-offensive actions, which involve acquiring equipment, personnel training, and ammunition provision. The operation's development is currently in progress, and if our partners meet their obligations on time, the counter-offensive could begin towards the end of the second quarter or at the start of the third quarter,” he said. 

The expert also mentioned that the Armed Forces of Ukraine have already initiated counteroffensive actions in certain areas of the front. 

“The proposed time frames for the offensive campaign are the most practical. Long-range systems are also thinning out the enemy's defenses in some areas, which is a crucial component of the Armed Forces' preparation for offensive operations,” he added.

• US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin noted that Ukraine has a very good chance of launching a counteroffensive this spring, as Russian resources are depleted and the Ukrainian military receives help from Western partners.

• The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States, General Mark Milley, said that Ukraine's victory in the war against Russia this year is unlikely, although he did not say that "it cannot be done."