AFU yet to reach full potential, but counteroffensive going to plan – Ukrainian generals

The relevant statement was made by Commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi and Commander of the Tavria Operational and Strategic Group of Troops, Brigadier General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi in an interview with ABC News, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

According to Syrskyi, so far things had been developing according to the plans that were drawn up and approved.

Asked if he was confident of retaking the key city of Bakhmut, Syrskyi said: “Yes, of course. I’m sure.”

Tarnavskyi noted that the situation was stable, adding that “the main thing is that we haven’t reached our full potential.”

Talking of losses, Syrskyi mentioned that the enemy is suffering eight times or even 10 times higher losses, especially with the number of killed troops.

According to Tarnavskyi, Ukrainian forces are facing massive minefields in the south.

“It's a fierce stand-off with the enemy who uses minefields, anti-tank weapons. They conduct large-scale operations from the air, they launch air and missile strikes,” Tarnavskyi told.

In his words, Russians specifically target Western equipment, trying to destroy as many vehicles as possible.

At the same time, Tarnavskyi dismissed the possibility of Russia’s use of nuclear weapons.

“Of course we have to take into account the fact that nuclear weapons are already in Belarus or will be stationed there. So we have to factor that in when drawing up our future plans and forecasts. But it doesn’t frighten me at all,” Tarnavskyi said.

Both generals thanked the United States for its military support, saying that armor provided by the West was making a difference on the battlefield.