Russia’s advance in Kharkiv is slowing, and the frontline is stabilizing after allies lifted restrictions on Kyiv's use of donated weapons on Russian territory, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Thursday.
Austin, speaking at a NATO defense ministers’ meeting in Brussels, noted the change in dynamics.
“What I see is a slowing of the Russians’' advance and a stabilizing of that particular piece of the front. Now, I think we'll see incremental gains -- and we'll see puts and takes -- going forward,” he said.
Previously, there was concern about a significant breakthrough by Russian forces. However, Austin expressed confidence that such an outcome is now unlikely.
Late last month, U.S. President Joe Biden authorized the use of American weapons to strike targets in Russia that were attacking Kharkiv. Moscow condemned this as an escalation by the West.
“What I see is a slowing of the Russians’' advance and a stabilizing of that particular piece of the front. Now, I think we'll see incremental gains -- and we'll see puts and takes -- going forward,” he said.
Previously, there was concern about a significant breakthrough by Russian forces. However, Austin expressed confidence that such an outcome is now unlikely.
Late last month, U.S. President Joe Biden authorized the use of American weapons to strike targets in Russia that were attacking Kharkiv. Moscow condemned this as an escalation by the West.
On Tuesday, Kharkiv’s mayor, Ihor Terekhov, reported a decrease in attacks on the city. Ukrainian forces targeted missile launch positions in Russia, resulting in fewer strikes on Kharkiv.
“That is why maybe Kharkiv has ... this period of ... calm the last couple of weeks ... that there were no great strikes as it was, for example, in May,” Terekhov said through a translator.
Austin praised the effective use of donated weapons by Ukrainian forces.
“The Ukrainians have done a lot to fortify their defensive positions and are making good use of the weapons and munitions that they're being provided,” he said. “And more of that will continue to flow in. And so in my view, they’ll get stronger as time progresses.”
“That is why maybe Kharkiv has ... this period of ... calm the last couple of weeks ... that there were no great strikes as it was, for example, in May,” Terekhov said through a translator.
Austin praised the effective use of donated weapons by Ukrainian forces.
“The Ukrainians have done a lot to fortify their defensive positions and are making good use of the weapons and munitions that they're being provided,” he said. “And more of that will continue to flow in. And so in my view, they’ll get stronger as time progresses.”
Source: Reuters
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