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Britain warned that Ukraine’s counterattack against Russia may not be hard, fast and decisive. Photo/REUTERS
WASHINGTON – The British government said a counterattack Ukraine the long awaited against Russia may not be harsh and prove decisive. But London urged continued support for Kiev.
During a visit to Washington, British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly called for increased military aid to help Ukraine win as quickly as possible. But he warned not to pin too much hope on the upcoming Ukrainian counter-operation.
“They have shown themselves to be very, very effective defenders of their country, but we need to recognize that there may not be a simple, quick, decisive breakthrough,” said Cleverly at the Atlantic Council.
“I hope and expect that they will do very, very well, because every time I see Ukraine, they exceed expectations,” he said.
“But we have to be realistic. This is the real world; this is not a Hollywood film,” he said, as quoted by AFP, Wednesday (10/5/2023).
He called for Western powers to have the determination to continue to do the right thing, no matter how the attack unfolds, including possible “words of escalation” from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Otherwise, what is at stake is immeasurable interests,” he said.
Ukraine has for months been preparing for a spring counterattack aimed at retaking Russian-held territory, which it invaded in February 2022.
Britain was at the forefront of support for Ukraine and was the first to send Western tanks to Kiev.
US President Joe Biden’s administration on Tuesday announced an additional $1.2 billion in American military aid, but has postponed several items on Ukraine’s wish list including long-range missiles and fighter jets, seeking to avoid a more direct Western confrontation with Moscow.
(but)
