Danilov: Ukraine will launch counteroffensive when ready

Oleksiy Danilov, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC), has stated that Ukraine will launch its counteroffensive when it’s ready – it’s only a matter of time when the level of necessary readiness is achieved.

Danilov told The Associated Press in an interview that Ukraine’s allies are helping the government to achieve the level of technical equipment necessary to launch the attack, delivering heavy armored vehicles and ammunition.

At the same time, the NSDC Secretary expressed frustration that sometimes officials from allied countries “promise one thing and do a completely different one”, without mentioning details.

“If we aren’t ready, then nobody will start unprepared,” Danilov said.

Speaking about a major U.S. intelligence leak, Danilov echoed other Ukrainian leaders who say they don’t see it as gravely damaging future offensives, stressing that Ukraine doesn’t share highly sensitive information with anyone.

“If someone thinks that we report to someone, then he is deeply mistaken,” he stressed.

The NSDC Secretary added that such sensitive security matters are decided in closed meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and “only there will it be decided when, in what direction, at what pace we will liberate our territory.”

Danilov said that Ukraine was working round the clock to prepare for a possible offensive, “including Saturday and Sunday. There is no vacation in war.”

“It’s only a matter of time. This time comes with a very high price for us,” he said.

He also remains confident in Ukraine’s efforts to return to its occupied territories.

“We will defeat Russia. If you have a strong inner spirit, you will definitely win. And we always had it strong. This is something that always annoyed the Russians,” Danilov summed up.