“Pleasant surprises” await Russian President Vladimir Putin and his army on the battlefield in Ukraine, Victoria Nuland, second in charge at the US State Department, assured on Wednesday during a visit to Kyiv, reports AFP.

Victoria NulandPhoto: – / Editorial Shutterstock / Profimedia

“I leave Kyiv tonight very enthusiastic about the unity and the results regarding 2024 and its absolute strategic importance for Ukraine,” she told reporters.

“I also leave with greater confidence that when Ukraine strengthens its defenses, Mr. Putin will have big surprises on the battlefield and Ukraine will have big successes,” she added.

Victoria Nuland said that the Ukrainian military caused “massive damage to Putin’s ground forces” and the Russian fleet in the Black Sea.

However, Kyiv’s much-anticipated summer counteroffensive failed, and Russia has since returned to the offensive in the east and south.

Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Russian troops were holding positions “on the approaches” to the eastern Ukrainian city of Avdiyivka, one of the hottest spots on the front.

However, the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) Kyrylo Budanov said on Tuesday that he expects the Russian offensive to stop within several months.

“Their offense is going, it’s going to end in early spring,” and then, “I think our offense is going to start,” he said on national television.