The Ukrainian counterattack was not successful, Putin: Russian military demonstrated bravery in cluster shells | performance | provision | cluster | reporting | Putin | ammunition | Ukraine
According to foreign media reports, Russian President Putin stated in a television interview broadcasted on the 16th local time that all attempts by Ukraine to break through the defense line have been "unsuccessful". He also evaluated the progress of the Russian military's special military operations in Ukraine, pointing out that the Russian military has shown bravery.
According to the Russian satellite network, Putin said, "It is certain that our military has shown bravery. All attempts by the enemy to break through our defense lines, including their mission of using strategic reserves, were unsuccessful throughout the entire attack."
According to Agence France Presse, Ukraine admitted on the 14th that the battle was difficult. The Director of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, Yermak, revealed that "progress is not as fast." Ukrainian President Zelensky previously stated that the promised weapons were delivered slowly, delaying the counterattack in Kiev.
In addition, when it comes to the US providing cluster ammunition to Ukraine, Putin stated that the use of cluster ammunition should be considered a "crime". He said, "The US government recently evaluated these ammunition through its staff. At that time, the US government itself called the use of cluster ammunition a 'crime'. I think we should treat it the same way."
According to a report from the Russian satellite network, Putin also stated that Russia has not had the need to use cluster ammunition so far, "but if anyone uses such ammunition against us, we reserve the right to take reciprocal action."
On July 7th local time, the United States announced that it would provide cluster ammunition to Ukraine. Due to the large range of damage caused by cluster ammunition, it is highly likely to cause harm to civilians, which has been criticized by the United Nations, the United Kingdom, Canada, and other parties. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zakharova emphasized that providing cluster ammunition would endanger civilians, with the aim of prolonging the crisis.