Ukrainian forces have already passed two Russian defense lines - Umerov on counteroffensive

He said this on Fox News during a visit to the United States.

"We are doing well. We continue to liberate our territory. We have passed the first (defense line - ed.), the second one," said the Defense Minister.

According to him, the Armed Forces have liberated 50% of Ukraine's territory and are defeating Russia. Umerov also emphasized that Ukraine now has a plan to liberate the territories by 2024.

The head of the Defense Ministry noted that reaching the 1991 borders remains a strategic victory for Ukraine. When asked by a journalist whether a settlement is possible if the war drags on for years, Umerov replied that the civilized world should be embarrassed if this happens.

"This will continue and destroy democracy. They (Russians - ed.) believe that Ukraine and Ukrainians should not exist," he said.

Later, the press center of the Defense Ministry published an explanation of the minister's words. It was noted there that the Ukrainian military is indeed carrying out combat operations between the second and third lines of defense in certain areas of the front.

However, the names of the specific directions where this is being done and at what stage specific operations are will be reported by the relevant units in accordance with the communication protocols.

• In September, the commander of the forces in the south, General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, said that the Defense Forces of Ukraine made an important breakthrough in the southern direction of the front.