KYIV: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was quoted on Wednesday as saying progress in Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russian forces was"slower than desired", but that Kyiv would not be pressured into speeding it up.
Ukraine says it has reclaimed eight villages so far in its long-awaited counter-offensive, its first substantial gains on the battlefield for seven months. "Whatever some might want, including attempts to pressure us, with all due respect, we will advance on the battlefield the way we deem best," he added.
Zelenskyy's interview with Britain's public broadcaster was timed to coincide with a conference in London whereWashington offered US$1.3 billion. Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal told the conference Kyiv was hoping for more than US$6 billion from the event.