MOSCOW, March 29. /TASS/. Ukraine is trying to keep its territories and preparing reserves for a new offensive, Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Alexander Syrsky told the Ukrinform news agency on Friday.
"Our goal is to prevent the loss of our territory, maximally wear down the enemy. Inflict the heaviest possible losses on it, set up and prepare reserves for offensive operations," he said.
Ukrainian troops are currently on the defensive and, in particular, are fortifying their positions near Kharkov, Syrsky added.
"As of today, we are carrying out a large amount of work to fortify territories and install a comprehensive system of obstacles," he explained.
Western media outlets have repeatedly reported that the West has advised Kiev to focus on defense to recover its offensive potential by 2025.
The Ukrainian military had been making unsuccessful attempts to advance since June 4. The Russian side has repeatedly stressed that the offensive failed to yield tangible results for Kiev, despite huge losses. In their attempts to justify the absence of real successes in the combat area, the Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly accused NATO of insufficient weaponry deliveries, whereas the alliance’s officials have said that they have transferred all the necessary equipment to Kiev. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky admitted on December 1 that the counteroffensive had failed to yield results.