U.S. Official: Ukrainian Counteroffensive Is Not Advancing as Expected

White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby indicated that "the United States understands that the Ukrainian counteroffensive is not advancing at the expected pace." In an interview with CNN, Kirby stated, "Even the Ukrainians, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, have said they will not cover long distances or at the speed they desire." He added, "They are making progress, but it's gradual and slow, and not without difficulties, yet they continue to try. There is active fighting along that front, and they are certainly trying to move forward. How far they will go, where that will be, and what kind of breakthrough they can achieve? I don't think anyone can say that now." Kirby noted that "the United States will continue to provide military resources to Kyiv, including mine-clearing equipment, artillery ammunition, and missile systems."