U.S. Observes Progress for Ukraine but Does Not Confirm Reports of Russian Missiles

The White House stated that the United States has observed significant progress made by Ukrainian forces in Zaporizhia in the south of the country over the past three days, adding that it cannot confirm reports about Russian intercontinental ballistic missiles being put on combat readiness. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said, "We have observed some notable progress made by the Ukrainian armed forces… in the southern line of advance from the Zaporizhia region, achieving some success against the second line of Russian defenses." He added, "This does not mean to say… that they are unaware that intense fighting still lies ahead in their attempts to advance south, or that Russia cannot launch a counter-offensive." Kirby also stated that he could not confirm reports indicating that Russia has put Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missiles, capable of carrying nuclear weapons, into service for combat.