Zelensky admits Ukraine’s counter-offensive against Russia has failed

Zelensky admitted Ukraine had not achieved ‘the desired result’ (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)

Volodymyr Zelensky has said his country’s counter-offensive against Russia in eastern Ukraine is failing.

He admitted Ukraine’s attempt to force a Russian retreat had not achieved ‘the desired results’.

It comes amid pressure on Kyiv to enter peace talks with Russia as Western support for the conflict appears to fragment.

Allies have questioned the cost of high-tech weapons and equipment as the counter-offensive stalls due to frozen battlefields and stiff resistance from rearmed Russian troops.

Speaking in Kyiv, Mr Zelensky conceded Ukraine had ‘wanted faster results’.

Asked if he felt pressure to enter peace talks, he said: ‘I don’t feel it yet,’ but added’some voices are always heard.’

In recent months international leaders, such as Rishi Sunak and Joe Biden, have instead been focused on the conflict in the Middle East between Hamas and Israel.

The UK has not announced an extension to its £2.3billion military aid package to Ukraine which runs out in March.

Ukraine is losing on its eastern battlefront (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)

Meanwhile Putin has militarised Russia’ economy leading to a startling sevenfold increase in tank production. Production of artillery and armoured vehicles has also more than doubled.

Russian troops have made significant advances into Ukrainian territory along the 621-mile front line.

They are poised to capture the strategically significant town of Avdiivka, which Ukraine has held since 2014.

Mr Zelensky said: ‘We wanted faster results. From that perspective, unfortunately, we did not achieve the desired results. And this is a fact. There is not enough power to achieve the desired results faster.

‘We can see the consequences of global society switching [its attention] because of the tragedy in the Middle East, only the blind could not recognise this…

‘We must not allow people to forget about the war here. Attention equals help.’

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The Ukrainians wanted to breach Russia’s defences and advance all the way to the Sea of Azov when they launched their counter-offensive earlier this year and this now appears out of reach.

Zelensky said a reduction in US support for Ukraine would increase Russia’s threat.

He added: ‘If resilience fails due to lack of aid, it will mean Russia will most likely invade Nato countries and then the American children will fight.’

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