Ukrainian forces have been able to breakthrough Russian defences and are making progress in their counteroffensiveagainst Moscow's troops, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday.
"The Ukrainians are gradually gaining ground and it proves the importance ofour support and also our ability and willingness to continue the support,"Stoltenberg told EU lawmakers.
"This is heavy fighting, difficult fighting, but they have been able tobreach the defensive lines of the Russian forces, and they are movingforward."
In recent days, Ukraine has claimed to have broken through Russia's heavily
fortified first line of defence in its gruelling southern offensive.
Ukraine received shipments of Western armour from NATO members, including
battle tanks and armoured vehicles, to aid its push.
But Kyiv admits the months-long drive southwards has been slower than hoped
and has inflicted a heavy toll on its forces.
Ukraine's troops have reportedly had to increasingly resort to smaller-scale
attacks on foot after full-frontal assaults were stalled by the denseminefields laid by the Russians.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has reinvigorated the US-led NATO militaryalliance, leading it to bolster its forces on its eastern flank and grow itsmembership.
Stoltenberg said he expected Turkey to approve Sweden's bid to join "as soonas possible" after its parliament reconvenes.
Turkish President RecepTayyip Erdogan agreed at the NATO summit in Vilnius
this summer to clear the way for Stockholm's membership after a year ofholding it up.
