Impossible to wage defensive war: Ukraine develops realistic military strategy

The official said this in an interview with the French publication Le Figaro.

"It is impossible to wage a defensive war. Shifting to a defensive position often leads to a conflict freeze. We have seen this since 2014. We will never agree to a frozen conflict with Putin," he emphasised.

According to Andriy Yermak, the solution is "not to stop, but to be realistic, to be strong, to be together with our partners and not to stop". The new law on mobilisation and the new military strategy of Ukraine will be dedicated to this, he stressed.

"At the front, the troops complain about the lack of people and resources and say that they are no longer able to advance. This is definitely a problem, and there is no point in hiding it. Some soldiers need to rest. Many of them have been on the frontline for two years. The government and the General Staff are working on a new law on mobilisation, which will soon be submitted to parliament. And on a realistic military strategy. The transition period is still ongoing," Yermak explained.

• According to media reports, some Western elites are in favour of Ukraine waging a "defensive war".