President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy explained why the counter-offensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is slower than previously expected. According to him, the reason is that the operation itself began later than originally anticipated, UNIAN reports.

“We had plans to start it in spring, but we didn’t, because we didn’t have enough ammunition and weapons, we didn’t have enough properly trained brigades – I mean, properly trained in these weapons. Since we started a little late, it can be said - and this is a truth shared by all experts - that this gave Russia time to mine all of our land and build several lines of defense,” the Ukrainian leader said at the Aspen Security Forum.

"Nevertheless, the offensive of the armed forces of Ukraine continues, and we are approaching the moment when the operations can gather momentum," Zelenskyy added.