Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasized the need for additional time before launching a highly anticipated counter-offensive against Russian forces. The delay is due to the military’s wait for the delivery of promised aid, which is crucial for the operation’s success.

The forthcoming offensive is expected to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict, potentially altering frontlines that have remained static for months. It will also serve as a significant test for Ukraine, which aims to demonstrate that the Western-supplied weapons and equipment can lead to substantial battlefield victories.

In a statement from his Kyiv headquarters, President Zelensky mentioned that combat brigades, some trained by NATO countries, are prepared. However, he noted the need for additional resources, including armored vehicles, which are arriving incrementally. He expressed confidence in their current capabilities but stressed the importance of minimizing casualties, hence the need for patience.

The timing and location of Ukraine’s military push remain confidential. Meanwhile, Russian forces have strengthened their defenses along a 900-mile frontline stretching from Luhansk and Donetsk in the east to Zaporizhzhia and Kherson in the south.

Ukrainian officials have attempted to manage expectations regarding the offensive’s outcome. A senior government official, speaking anonymously, acknowledged the necessity of success but cautioned against viewing the assault as a definitive solution to the 15-month-long war.

President Zelensky remains optimistic about Ukraine’s potential to advance, warning against a prolonged conflict, which he believes Russia anticipates. He highlighted the risk of reduced Western military support and pressure to negotiate with Russia if the offensive does not meet expectations.

Despite concerns about future US support, Zelensky expressed confidence in continued bipartisan backing from the US Congress, regardless of the 2024 presidential election outcome. He remains hopeful for a Ukrainian victory by then.

Currently, there are no viable negotiations to end the conflict, as both sides are committed to fighting until victory. Zelensky has proposed a 10-point peace plan, demanding the return of all occupied territories, reparations for war damages, and a tribunal for Russian war crimes, which Moscow has rejected.

Western sanctions, according to Zelensky, are impacting Russia’s defense industry, leading to depleted missile stockpiles and artillery shortages. However, he noted that Russia has found ways to bypass some sanctions and urged countries to target those aiding Russia in evading these measures.

Zelensky dismissed Russian accusations that Ukraine was behind a recent alleged drone attack on the Kremlin, suggesting it might have been a false flag operation by Russia. He criticized Moscow’s narrative as an excuse to justify further aggression against Ukraine.

The president’s remarks coincided with the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool, hosted on behalf of Ukraine, last year’s winner. Zelensky expressed a preference for the event to be held in a neighboring country but praised Britain for its support and hospitality.