Ukrainian troops taking 'counteroffensive, defensive actions' against Russia: Zelenskyy

By Anadolu staff

KYIV, Ukraine (AA) - Ukrainian troops are taking some defensive and counteroffensive actions against Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday.

“Counteroffensive and defensive actions are being taken in Ukraine. At what stage, I will not disclose in detail. I believe that we will definitely feel this,” said Zelenskyy during a joint press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Kyiv, according to Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform.

“It is interesting what (Russian President Vladimir) Putin said about our counteroffensive,” Zelenskyy said. "It is important that Russia always feels that they don't have much time left, in my opinion.”

Zelenskyy was referring to the Russian president’s remarks in which he said that Ukrainian troops have launched a counteroffensive and were suffering “considerable losses.”

Speaking to reporters in Sochi on Friday evening, Putin said: "First, we can safely state that the offensive has begun. We know this from the fact that the Ukrainian army tapped its strategic reserves.”

In a Twitter post, Zelenskyy said: “Despite all Russia's efforts to bow our people, Ukrainians continue to fight for independence and freedom. And in our victory, we will stand together just as we are standing now – on our way to defend life and people.”

For his part, Trudeau reiterated Canada’s solidarity with Kyiv and wrote on Twitter: “Canada stands united with Ukraine. I’m in Kyiv to reaffirm that commitment to President (Zelenskyy) and the Ukrainian people as they maintain their resistance against Russia’s brutal war. More updates to come – stay tuned.”