Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the counteroffensive is not a "Hollywood movie".abc.net.au/news/zelenskyy-says-ukraine-offensive-slower-than-desired/102508342President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had said progress in Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russian forces was "slower than desired", but that Kyiv would not be pressured into speeding it up.
His adversary, Russian President Vladimir Putin, said Moscow had observed a "lull" in Ukraine's counteroffensive, which began early this month.Russian President Vladimir Putin said Ukraine is suffering serious losses "both in personnel and equipment". Ukraine says it has reclaimed eight villages so far in its long-awaited counteroffensive, its first substantial gains on the battlefield for seven months.
Reuters has visited some villages recaptured by Ukrainian forces and confirmed an advance of several kilometres.Western allies pledge more aid for Ukraine After nearly 16 months of Russia's war on Ukraine that has destroyed homes, hospitals and other critical infrastructure, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak opened the conference with an appeal to businesses and governments to do more to help rebuild.