Ukrainian army is not preparing offensive in Donbas but can deter enemy if Minsk deal breached
The Ukrainian army is prepared for a change of tactics by the Donbas militia and can deter a possible offensive, Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak has said.
"We demand that the Minsk agreements be strictly fulfilled, and we are fulfilling them ourselves. As for the activity of the terrorist group, as you know, it is very hard to predict. But we are preparing for a change of their tactics, we are ready, and we will not wait for them to launch an offensive. If they breach the Minsk agreements and behave in an aggressive fashion, launch an offensive, we will be able to deter them," Poltorak told reporters in Minsk on Thursday.
He underlined that the Ukrainian army was not preparing an offensive itself. "I have not said that we are preparing an offensive, I have said that we are ready to deter the enemy if it [launches] an offensive," the Ukrainian defense minister said.
Advertising
Advertising
MORE ABOUT
Enemy's offensive simultaneously going on in four directions, fiercest battles in Bakhmut, Maryinka and Avdiyivka – Maliar
20:32, 10.04.2023
There will be nothing alive in Donbas after war – Zelenskyy at Munich conference
16:11, 17.02.2023
Invaders deliberately, methodically destroy villages, towns in Donbas – Zelensky
20:44, 27.01.2023
Tough battle for Donbas continues – Zelensky
13:22, 14.01.2023
Zelensky calls 'severe and painful' situation in Donbas
09:21, 27.12.2022
LATEST
Defense Ministry: Cabinet approves creation of separate branch of forces in AFU – Unmanned Systems Forces
21:07, 07.05.2024
In Nikopol region already six victims of shelling reported, incl child
21:05, 07.05.2024
Coordination meeting held in Kyiv between Italian Embassy, AICS office, Italian humanitarian organizations
20:55, 07.05.2024
Lubinets hands over to IFRC documents indicating number of violations in Russian Red Cross activities
20:42, 07.05.2024
Umerov briefs Pentagon chief about current situation at frontline