Ukraine's Counteroffensive Faces Criticism for Slow Progress

The head of Ukraine's armed forces, Gen Valery Zaluzhny, expressed frustration with Western criticism that the country's counter-offensive against Russian forces is moving too slowly. He emphasized the need for full military support, including modern fighter jets, to effectively carry out more ambitious plans. Meanwhile, Ukraine's deputy defense minister stated that their forces were advancing confidently on multiple fronts. The counter-offensive's effectiveness should be assessed based on various military tasks, not just territorial gains. British-supplied cruise missiles were used to strike targets behind enemy lines, while Russia reportedly used a ballistic missile to attack a Ukrainian bridgehead. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ordered military commanders to strengthen the country's northern border following the arrival of a mercenary leader in Belarus.