The U.S. has pledged to continue supporting Ukraine as Ukrainian service members drive into Russia, according to Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has been in communication with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to discuss ongoing support from allies and partners in meeting Ukraine’s urgent military needs. The U.S. remains committed to supporting Ukraine and will maintain close contact with Ukrainian officials. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has outlined the objectives of the Ukrainian counteroffensive into Kursk, aiming to destroy the logistics of the Russian army and drain their reserves.
Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of inflicting maximum damage on all Russian positions and defending the Donbas region while advancing in Kursk. The Ukrainian forces are focused on eliminating the Russian military presence in the area of operations and replenishing their resources through the ‘exchange fund.’ This fund is used to replenish units with personnel, ammunition, and supplies. The U.S. will continue to support Ukraine primarily through security assistance, including ongoing presidential drawdown packages. While there have been movements of Russian forces in Ukraine, specific details about their locations remain undisclosed.
Ukrainian forces plan to fortify the Kursk region as a buffer zone to prevent Russian forces from firing into Ukraine. Zelenskyy highlighted the success of Ukrainian forces in destroying Russian equipment and emphasized the importance of defensive operations to destroy as much of the Russian war potential as possible. Creating a buffer zone on the aggressor’s territory is a key aspect of Ukraine’s operation in Kursk. Zelenskyy believes that any actions that inflict losses on the Russian army, state, military industrial complex, and economy will help prevent the war from expanding and bring Ukraine closer to a just end to the aggression and a peaceful resolution.
Overall, the U.S. and Ukraine are committed to working together to counter Russian aggression and support Ukraine’s defense efforts. The ongoing support from allies and partners is crucial in meeting Ukraine’s military requirements and ensuring the success of the Ukrainian counteroffensive. Through the exchange fund and security assistance, Ukraine is replenishing its resources to continue the fight against Russian forces. Zelenskyy’s strategic approach to creating a buffer zone in Kursk and conducting maximum counteroffensive actions demonstrates Ukraine’s determination to defend its territory and weaken the Russian military presence.
