Ukraine has taken again 50% of territory seized by Russia: US Secretary of State

By Reuters: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that whereas Ukraine has recaptured half the territory that Russia initially seized in its invasion, Kyiv confronted “a very hard fight” to win again extra.

“It’s already taken back about 50% of what was initially seized,” Blinken stated in an interview with CNN on Sunday.

“These are still relatively early days of the counteroffensive. It is tough,” he stated, including: “It will not play out over the next week or two. We’re still looking I think at several months.”

Late final month, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was quoted as saying that the counteroffensive’s progress in opposition to Russian forces was “slower than desired.”

Ukraine has recaptured some villages within the south and territory across the ruined metropolis of Bakhmut within the east, however has not had a significant breakthrough in opposition to closely defended Russian traces.

When requested if Ukraine will get U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets, Blinken stated he believed it will. “And the important focus is on making sure that when they do, they’re properly trained, they’re able to maintain the planes, and use them in a smart way.”

A coalition of 11 nations will begin coaching Ukrainian pilots to fly the F-16 fighter jets in August in Denmark, and a coaching middle can be arrange in Romania.

Ukraine has lengthy appealed for the Lockheed Martin-made F-16s, however U.S. National Security adviser Jake Sullivan, stated final month there was no ultimate choice on Washington sending the plane. U.S. officers have estimated it will take no less than 18 months for coaching and supply of the planes.

The United States has given Ukraine greater than $41 billion in navy assist since Russia invaded in February 2022.