West's weapon provision to Ukraine falls short, Russia gears up for counteroffensive — Czech President Pavel

The Ukrainian Armed Forces' counteroffensive is not developing as the Ukrainians themselves expected. The West is providing weapons slowly and in much smaller quantities than needed

This was stated by Czech President Petr Pavel at the opening of the army command meeting in Prague, Denikn reports.

According to him, Western support was "not sufficient and fast enough," while the time spent preparing for the counteroffensive allowed Russia to "prepare very well" for it.

Pavel emphasized that the provision of weapons "does not reach the required level."

According to the politician, the Ukrainian military itself is experiencing "not only understandable fatigue, but also growing frustration with the West's support."

"They feel that we are abandoning them in this," the Czech president said.

He also pointed out that at least a third of Ukraine's energy infrastructure has been destroyed and "could not be repaired before winter," which will also put pressure on Ukrainians in continuing to stand firm and supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

• On February 1, Pavel said that Ukraine deserves to become a NATO member after the war, as its army is currently the most experienced in Europe. 
• Later, he also called for Ukraine to be provided with fighter jets, but only after training.