Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleskyi Reznikov acknowledged that Kyiv’s counteroffensive is behind schedule, but stressed that he is “not worried” because it is on track, adding that it is “a misconception that every counteroffensive has to be quick,” CNN reported.

Reznikov cited several reasons why the counteroffensive may be slower than anticipated, including ammunition, artillery shells and artillery systems.

“This is a matter of air defense. The fact is also that we have a very long battle line. And there are many enemies against us. That’s why it’s a war, it’s not a computer game,” the Minister of Defense said in an interview with CNN over the weekend in Kyiv.

The official noted that “our generals, our commanders see the real situation on the battlefield. And again, I repeat, the main value for us is the life of our soldiers.”

The situation on the southern front in Ukraine was largely hampered by complex minefields installed by Russian troops, who had time to build up their defenses. According to Reznikov, the Ukrainian military had to manually clear paths through the fields.

The minister said the Russians had “serious security zones with mines” and that it was “very difficult to penetrate”.

“We have to use our soldiers, engineers, sappers very slowly and preparing corridors for a real offensive movement,” Reznikov said, adding that this activity in different places confuses the Russians about the main direction of Ukraine’s movement.​​

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