The major bulk of Ukraine's newest massive counter-offensive in its battle in opposition to Russia has not but been deployed, the commander of the nation's floor forces has reportedly mentioned.

Colonel basic Oleksandr Syrskyi has referred to as for endurance from the worldwide group, explaining that his forces are poised to be unleashed when the weakest factors of Vladimir Putin's defences are uncovered.

Ukraine's a lot anticipated counter-offensive obtained underway earlier this month after it assembled 12 new brigades, together with 9 geared up by its Nato allies.

But solely three of them are understood to be engaged in combating as far as Ukraine's greater than year-long battle of attrition with enemy forces rages on.

Progress because the counter-offensive was launched has been gradual, with the liberation of eight villages and Putin claiming to be accountable for heavy losses amongst Ukrainian troops.

Colonel basic Syrskyi mentioned Putin's generals had anticipated the place Ukrainian forces could be at their strongest however, he instructed the Guardian: "Everyone wants to achieve a great victory instantly and at once, and so do we. But we have to be prepared to have this process take some time because there are a lot of forces massed on each side, a lot of materiel, and a lot of engineered obstacles.

“I want to say that our main force has not been engaged in fighting yet, and we are now searching, probing for weak places in the enemy defences. Everything is still ahead.”

Russia has launched attacks in a number of areas including Kupiansk in the north-eastern region of Kharkiv, and Lyman farther east.

Speaking of the tense and complex military situation, Colonel general Syrskyi said Russia is attempting to "seize the initiative" and there had been "laborious combating" within the Serebryansky forest close to Bakhmut in Donetsk oblast, with Russia having relocated key forces from the south.

Mindful to not underestimate Putin's troops, he mentioned that they had predicted "essentially the most harmful instructions of our actions", including that they've constructed up robust defences in these areas that are proving troublesome to interrupt down.

However, Colonel basic Syrskyi mentioned he's assured {that a} breach in Russia's defences could be recognized and exploited by Ukraine's forces.

The Ukrainian reserves embrace Challenger 2 tanks provided by the UK. To date, the one time a tank on this class has been destroyed throughout operations was by pleasant fireplace from one other Challenger 2 in Basra, Iraq, in 2003.

Adressing members of the British public and the UK Government, Colonel basic Syrskyi mentioned: “In conclusion, I want to tell you a big, big thanks, about the support, about your assets and about all that you do for our army and for our people. Together we are stronger.”