Reznikov: Preparations for counteroffensive at final stage

"The preparations are coming to an end because, in addition to [provision of] weapons and military equipment, our service members should master them. And we received very modern systems... Let me remind you that apart from the tank coalition [which primarily includes Leopard 2 and Challenger tanks, and the Leopard 1 tanks will arrive a little later], we are still waiting for Abrams. Abrams will not participate in this counteroffensive, I think. But our crews have already left for training," Defense Minister of Ukraine Oleksii Reznikov told a press conference in Kyiv, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

According to him, Ukraine currently has a sufficiently large number of armored vehicles.

"The equipment has been pledged, prepared, and partially delivered. And there is equipment on which the training programs are completed, and then the crews will arrive with it when the time and place will be determined. By and large, we are ready," the minister emphasized. He noted that the General Staff will make a decision on when and where the counteroffensive will start.

The official also emphasized that he has no right to disclose details as the Russians also monitor the Ukrainian media.

As reported, on April 19, Deputy Minister of Defense Hanna Maliar said that the Ukrainians should not wait for the day when the Defense Forces will announce the start of a counteroffensive especially since certain actions are already taking place.

Defense Minister Reznikov believes that expectations from the counteroffensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are "somewhat overheated."