Title: Pentagon: Ukrainian Counteroffensive Slower Than Expected but Judgment Cannot Be Made Yet

US Deputy Secretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl indicated on Friday that the Ukrainian counteroffensive against Russian forces is progressing at a slower pace than anticipated. He stated, "It is too early to judge the course of the counteroffensive." Kahl added, "They are still testing the Russian lines and Russian areas to identify weaknesses," and continued, "The true test will be when they determine these points and how quickly they can exploit those weaknesses." Kahl's comments came as US President Joe Biden announced the provision of cluster munitions, which the Pentagon hopes will help ensure that Ukraine has sufficient firepower. He said, "We want to make sure that the Ukrainians have enough artillery to keep them in the fight in the context of the current counteroffensive, especially since things are moving a bit slower than some had hoped." Some US officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed optimism that Kyiv has all the weapons it needs, including mine-clearing devices and mine sweepers.