Ukraine's counteroffensive may start in summer - Ukraine’s Prime Minister on eve of his visit to the US

He told The Hill on the eve of his visit to the United States.

"In an exclusive interview, Shmyhal said that a counteroffensive could take place as late as the summer, noting that the most intense pressure to start the counteroffensive comes from inside Ukraine," the publication said.

The Prime Minister also noted that official Kyiv does not feel pressure from its partners vis-a-vis the start of the offensive.

"All of our friends and partners do comprehend clearly that in order to go into counteroffensive, one must be 100 percent, and even more percent prepared to do so," the Prime Minister of Ukraine emphasized.

It is noted that Shmyhal's visit to Washington takes place amid a large-scale intelligence leak, which included the US Defense Department's assessment of the situation in Ukraine.

When asked how the leaked documents could affect Ukraine's counteroffensive planning, Shmyhal emphasized that Ukraine will liberate its territories.

"We have proven multiple times that we can do it. From our international partners we ask for more military capabilities, like tanks, ammunition, planes, armored vehicles," the Ukrainian prime minister said.

He also confirmed that Ukraine is indeed experiencing losses in terms of economic and human lives, "these losses indeed exercise a heavy toll on all ourselves." However, he said, "it doesn’t mean that we do not have bravery left or inspiration left."

Shmyhal's mission to Washington is part of Ukraine's military strategy, the newspaper notes. While combat preparations are being made, the prime minister is tasked with rallying partner nations to provide economic support that is as key to Ukraine’s survival as its military defense.

• On April 11, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal arrived in Canada on a working visit and met with his counterpart Justin Trudeau and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland.

• Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said that Ukraine needs long-term security guarantees even after the victory, as Russia will remain its aggressive neighbor. 

• Canada announced additional military assistance to Ukraine, including the transfer of tens of thousands of assault rifles, machine guns, and millions of rounds of ammunition.