President Zelensky says 'Ukraine is tired, but it scares Russia'

Citing the Ukrainian leader's remarks at a meeting with Latin American media outlets, CNN said President Volodymyr Zelensky admitted that the counteroffensive was facing many difficulties. It was happening more slowly than expected. However, Mr. Zelensky called on allies to be patient and pledged that the Ukrainian Armed Forces would win against the Russian army.

“We saw fatigue in our eyes, but we saw fear in their eyes. These are two very different things,” President Zelensky said.

CNN said President Zelensky was sensitive to any view that the counterattack was "a disappointment", although he specifically emphasized the need for more Western weapons.

It is too early to say that there is no time left for a Ukrainian counterattack, although the weather is gradually turning to autumn, which could make major attacks more difficult.

And will the West have the patience to wait for Ukraine? The lack of major breakthroughs will give Western policymakers pause in the coming weeks.

Despite a high-level Ukraine peace meeting in Saudi Arabia over the weekend aimed at finding a potential solution, there has so far been no path to a ceasefire.

Ultimately, the ability of both Russia and Ukraine to withstand heavy losses on the battlefield will be crucial in determining when either side is ready to seek a peaceful solution, CNN noted. However, that timing is very much related to continued US aid.

Meanwhile, for Washington, it is important not only to arm Ukraine, but also to maintain NATO unity and European resolve.

According to statistics from the Washington Post, published after analyzing data from the Pentagon and the US State Department, since the conflict broke out in February 2022, Ukraine has received a total of 66.2 billion USD in aid from the US.

Of that, $43.1 billion was direct military aid, $20.5 billion was economic aid and $2.6 billion was humanitarian aid.

This is the largest US investment in an ally or partner since World War II.