US general 'not surprised' by Ukraine's counterattack speed, President Zelensky worries about losing Washington's support
General Mark Milley is “not surprised” by the speed of Ukraine’s counterattack. President Zelensky is concerned about losing bipartisan support in the US.
According to RT, on July 1, General Mark Milley - Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff said that Ukraine's counter-offensive campaign is going slower than expected, but this is not surprising.
"Theory and reality are two different stories. The Ukrainian counteroffensive will take six, eight, 10 weeks. It will be very difficult, very long and very fierce. People should not have any illusions about anything, remember, Kiev is facing a very strong opponent," Mr. Milley said.
According to Mr. Milley, providing cluster bombs to Ukraine is being considered, but the final decision will be made by President Joe Biden.
Earlier, Ukrainian Army Commander-in-Chief Valery Zaluzhny expressed frustration with complaints about the country's counteroffensive progress in The Washington Post.
"This is not a TV show. We are fighting every day, every square meter of territory is paid for with blood. We are counterattacking without the necessary air support - something the West will never do. Progress may not be as fast as some people expect, but that is their problem," said Mr. Zaluzhny.
President Zelensky fears losing support from the US Congress
According to CNN, on July 1, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was worried that Kiev would lose bipartisan support from the US, after receiving "negative messages from some Republicans".
"Mr. Mike Pence just visited us, and he supports Ukraine as an American and a Republican. We still have the support of the US Congress, but there are still mixed opinions coming from some Republicans," Mr. Zelensky said.
According to Mr. Zelensky, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming US presidential election, maintaining the support of the US Congress for Ukraine is still the most important thing.
Wagner Group will not continue operations in Ukraine
According to the Russian daily Vedomosti, Chairman of the Russian State Duma Defense Committee Andrey Kartapolov said that Wagner members will not be deployed to Ukraine.
"Any unit that does not sign a contract with the Russian Defense Ministry will not be allowed to participate in special military operations. Once they participate in the operation, they must complete the tasks set by the military command," said Mr. Kartapolov.
