Oksana Markarova, Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States, briefly paused before responding to a question that has been lingering for some time: When will Ukrainian soldiers make significant progress in pushing out the Russian invaders from their country? Markarova explained that there is a Ukrainian phrase that captures the sentiment perfectly: “Don’t overexpect and you will never be disappointed.”
Expectations for the counteroffensive against the Russian invasion reached great heights last year and earlier this year, fueled by Ukrainian military victories on the ground and the promise of additional Western weaponry. However, meeting these expectations has proven challenging. While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sought support from governments worldwide for weapons and assistance, the Russians fortified their positions by laying landmines and constructing layers of defense to hinder any counteroffensive.
In an exclusive interview with HuffPost, Markarova revealed that the combination of these defenses, particularly the landmines, and concerns for the well-being of the occupied areas have slowed down Ukrainian progress. Nonetheless, she emphasized the importance of patience and expressed the unwavering determination of her fellow countrymen. She emphasized that this is not a movie or a show where one can measure progress by their desired timeline. The situation is incredibly challenging, and they expected it to be so.
Over the past two months, Ukrainian forces have only managed to liberate 10 settlements and make slight advancements toward the Russian defense lines. This slow pace has raised concerns that the counteroffensive may stagnate. A senior Western diplomat even stated that it would be highly unlikely for significant progress to occur in the near future. However, scholars from the independent Institute for the Study of War think tank and the conservative American Enterprise Institute argue that it is premature to conclude that the conflict has reached a stalemate. They believe that Ukrainian progress will experience periods of advances as well as setbacks, which is typical in warfare.
Markarova compared the current situation to the partial liberation of the Kherson region last fall. It took a considerable amount of time to tighten the strategic perimeter around Russian forces in Kherson due to the challenging terrain, Russian artillery, and layered defense. The sophisticated liberation efforts also prioritize the safety of Ukrainian civilians living under occupation. Markarova noted that it is crucial for them to demonstrate skillfulness in liberating villages and cities while protecting their people.
Despite facing nightly missile and air strikes on Ukrainian cities, Markarova emphasized that the will to fight remains strong. Recent attacks on Odesa, a culturally rich city known for producing renowned poets and scientists, have garnered international attention. Markarova acknowledged that these attacks are devastating and that the international response to them may be greater due to Odesa’s reputation.
In addition to the military front, Ukraine is actively seeking broad international support to end the war. A summit organized by the U.S. recently took place, with senior officials from 40 countries in attendance, including China, a key ally of Russia. Markarova perceived the participation of these countries as a diplomatic success.
Markarova underscored the ongoing determination of the Ukrainian people, emphasizing that the war has become existential for their nation. They believe that winning the war is a matter of survival. Despite the hardships they face, cultural events like festivals continue because they are essential for maintaining a sense of normalcy and resilience. Ukrainians know when to grieve, but they are committed to rising, fighting, and ultimately achieving victory.
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