In an interview with the Japanese television channel NHK, Kirill Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of Ukraine, said that the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) are ready for a counterattack, which will begin in the near future.

"We already have the necessary minimum of weapons. I can only say that the [counteroffensive] will begin in the near future."
the journalists quoted Budanov as saying.
At the same time, he stressed that Ukraine still needs supplies of Western arms and ammunition, on the continuation of which Budanov has high hopes. The head of the Ukrainian GUR also said that the counterattack by the Ukrainian Armed Forces may be quite lengthy in time, as the Russian Armed Forces have prepared a strong defense. [link to voennoedelo.com (secure)]