National Security Council spox John Kirby urged reporters to remain wary that Moscow still has “a military capable of inflicting great damage and casualties” at a Tuesday briefing, despite trumpeting Ukraine’s claims of gained ground in Kharkov region.
Kirby had expressed confidence earlier Tuesday that Kiev could maintain the momentum of its counter offensive that President Zelesnky claimed had recaptured 2,000km², but which Moscow reported included a “redeployment” of troops.
US and British military officials reportedly helped plan Ukraine’s latest push with intelligence on Russian positions and modeling possible outcomes. The major southern offensive aiming for Kherson is reportedly yet to see significant progress.