Ukraine will have very good chance of success - Pentagon Chief Austin on AFU counteroffensive

This was announced by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.

He made this statement during a hearing at the US Senate Armed Services Committee.

The Pentagon chief claims that Ukraine now has a significant advantage over the Russian side. This is despite the recent changes on the front line and the ongoing serious fighting near Bakhmut.

"The Ukrainians have inflicted significant losses on the Russians, and they have depleted their armoured vehicles in a way that no one could have ever imagined. And now we see Russia decommissioning T-54 and T-55 tanks because of the level of losses that the Ukrainians inflicted upon them," Austin said.

He added that, in light of this, Russian resources are running out. Thus, Russia is increasingly running out of artillery ammunition and other supplies, which is why it is forced to ask Iran and North Korea for help.

"So I think we will see an intensification of hostilities in the spring as the conditions for manoeuvring improve and also based on what we have already done and continue to do. I think Ukraine will have a very good chance for success," Austin emphasised.

• On March 25, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine could not launch its counteroffensive until it had accumulated sufficient weapons and ammunition from its allies.