Hesitant support hinders counteroffensive: Ukraine's envoy

Oleksii Makeiev, Ukraine's ambassador to Germany, believes hesitant military support from Western partners is one reason behind Ukraine's difficulties with its counteroffensive, reported dpa.

"Russia had time to barricade itself in," Makeiev said in an interview with the German broadcaster Deutschlandfunk to be released on Sunday, which dpa has obtained. The interview was conducted on Thursday.

"It took a very long time to prepare and equip" the Ukrainian attack brigades, he said.

These brigades, he said, were now fully equipped with Western weapons and ammunition. He also referred to debates in Germany about the delivery of infantry fighting vehicles and anti-aircraft systems.

Ukraine does not control the skies over its territory, Makeiev noted. That is why the delivery of F-16 fighter jets is so important, he said. To date, Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway have pledged F-16s.

With regard to German Taurus cruise missiles, Makeiev said they were in "very pragmatic and substantive talks" with the German government.

Ukraine has been demanding the German missiles for some time. Chancellor Olaf Scholz however has so far been reticent about this, as there are fears that the missiles could reach Russian territory.

Asked about possible peace negotiations with Russia, Makeiev said: "This is about annihilation, and Russia and unfortunately the

the Russian people don't want Ukraine at all, and in this context you don't go into talks with a willingness to compromise."

"A great many partners have now understood that, and there is no pressure on us to enter into talks with Russia now."