Russia declares it will achieve its goals in Ukraine.

In an interview with the TASS news agency, when asked whether Russia was considering freezing the conflict, Peskov replied: "Russia is only considering completing the special military operation: securing its interests, achieving Russian goals through the special military operation or by other available means."

Meanwhile, the head of Ukraine's main intelligence agency (GUR), Kirill Budanov, said Ukraine has the necessary weapons to begin the long-awaited "counterattack," but to truly defeat Russia will require much more.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Photo: AP

“We have the minimum amount of weapons necessary” for the attack, Budanov told Japanese broadcaster NHK. “I can only say that it will begin soon.” However, to successfully pursue a long-term campaign against Russia, Ukraine needs more than that, according to Budanov.

He said, “We need a large stockpile of weapons and ammunition to continue the successful operation. We need more weapons. We need fighter jets. I hope the international community is willing to genuinely help Ukraine.”

Kyiv's top intelligence officer added that he would be monitoring the progress of military aid from the West after the G7 summit in Hiroshima, where President Volodymyr Zelensky made a surprise appearance as a guest.

Last week, the Financial Times reported that Kyiv had about “five months” to impress Washington, after which the Joe Biden administration would be under immense negotiating pressure. Many Western media outlets and experts have warned that Russia’s airstrikes targeting Ukrainian supply depots and troop concentrations have affected the planned counteroffensive, even describing it as a “game changer.”