Stoltenberg hopes that Kyiv will strengthen its positions during the offensive for future negotiations

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expects that the counter-offensive carried out by Ukrainian forces will help Kyiv strengthen its position for further negotiations.

He noted: “The Ukrainians have launched an offensive, they are advancing, strengthening their positions. It is still too early to draw final conclusions, but we know that the more territories the Ukrainians return to their control, the stronger their position at the negotiating table will be.” This statement was made by him following negotiations with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.

Earlier, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin told reporters about the start of a counteroffensive by Ukrainian troops, which is confirmed by the use of strategic reserves by Kiev. He also noted that thanks to the courage of the Russian soldiers and the correct organization of the troops, the Ukrainian troops could not achieve their goals in any sector. All attempts by Kyiv to conduct a counteroffensive ended in failure, but the offensive potential of the Armed Forces of Ukraine still exists, the Russian president said.