Ukrainian offensive is not Hollywood movie, but I am confident in Armed Forces - Poroshenko on BBC

“You can compare the Russian offensive this winter, where the Russians have been attempting to capture Bakhmut for 10 months, and the two weeks of the Ukrainian counteroffensive now. We have already taken seven villages and are advancing eight kilometers. And this is just the beginning. This is just reconnaissance by fire. This is how we determine the most promising direction of the Ukrainian offensive,” Poroshenko said.

“We have a fantastic General Zaluzhnyi, and all other experienced Ukrainian young generals,” the fifth president of Ukraine noted.

“Don't expect a quick result. This is not a movie, Hollywood or Ukrainian. These are very, very difficult battles. But I am absolutely confident in the future success of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which we have created in 2014 according to NATO standards,” Poroshenko emphasized.

The fifth President of Ukraine also called on international partners to continue supporting the Ukrainian Army with weapons and technology.

“Please continue to support us. Because this victory and success cannot be achieved without F-16s, without air defense, without electronic warfare, and without sanctions,” he said.

Poroshenko noted that the EU has already approved the 11th sanctions package, which will curb Russia's military capabilities.

“And there is one more very important thing. No less important than the offensive in the south and east of Ukraine is the event that will take place in Vilnius. This is the NATO summit on July 11-12 in Vilnius. It is extremely important that we receive a message about the invitation to Ukraine's future membership in NATO. Without this, there will be no peace, no victory, no sustainable stability,” Poroshenko emphasized.