"Ukraine has every opportunity to succeed": US Secretary of Defense on AFU counteroffensive

He said this at a press conference.

"So they have much of the capability that they need to continue to be successful.  We’ve trained an enormous number of troops. We have provided a substantial number of platforms. I think that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are in a pretty good position to continue offensive operations," the Pentagon chief said.

He emphasized that despite this, the United States would continue to provide military assistance to Ukraine. Austin also emphasized that only the Ukrainian government knows the details of the offensive plans.

In his part, Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized at the same conference that Ukraine is the one who makes the decision on the counteroffensive, and the United States is ready to provide support and advice if necessary.

"But Ukraine has to make decisions about how it can most effectively defend itself against Russian aggression and take back the territory that’s been seized from it," Blinken added.

• Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that a large-scale counteroffensive by Ukrainian forces against the Russian invaders could begin in the summer.