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NATO has given the counter-offensive launched by Ukraine against the Russian-occupied areas crucial support. And they are making public statements touting Ukraine's success.

 According to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Ukrainian soldiers have made significant progress by reclaiming seven small towns and villages from Russian troops. 

Allies Public support

This statement marks one of the first acknowledgments by a Western leader regarding the early success of Ukrainian forces, which has also been confirmed by Ukrainian leaders.

Stoltenberg cautioned that the ongoing offensive would be challenging and intense. And claims Russia has established formidable defensive lines. The initial battles suggest that massive investments made by the U.S.-led coalition are paying off. Billions have gone into equipping and training Ukrainian forces with advanced Western weapons.

As Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to claim that his forces maintain the upper hand Ukraine is claiming success.

Just a day after celebrating the retaking of three villages in Donetsk province, the Ukrainian military announced another victory. And say they have captured Storozhov in the same eastern region. This success has provided momentum to the initial phase of Ukraine's highly anticipated counter-offensive.

Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar expressed her optimism, stating, "The national flag is flying over Storozhov again, and it will be the same with every settlement until we liberate all Ukrainian land." Such achievements on the battlefield are vital for maintaining public support among NATO allies, ensuring the continuous flow of crucial military aid, as emphasized by Stoltenberg.

NATO investments in the Ukraine offensive

The Pentagon has contributed hundreds of armored personnel carriers, mine-resistant armored trucks, and Humvees to support Ukraine's offensive. 

Germany has supplied modern Leopard tanks, while Great Britain has commenced the provision of long-range aircraft-launched missiles for striking deep into Russian-held territory. 

For months, U.S. and NATO troops have been training Ukrainian forces in coordinated artillery fire, which serves as a cover for troops advancing in armored vehicles and on foot.

Russian troops have invested significant efforts in constructing trenches and obstacles along a 600-mile front to impede the progress of Ukrainian tanks and armored personnel carriers. They have also targeted artillery fire at the flat, open ground that Ukrainian troops must traverse to reach the Russian defenses.

The province of Zaporizhzhya remains Russia's strongest defense, making it a critical target for Ukraine as cutting through this area threatens Russia's main supply lines.

Stoltenberg observed that Russian troops have suffered from poor leadership, inadequate equipment, and insufficient supplies. And he commended the courage displayed by the Ukrainian forces in their mission to liberate their land. And push back against the Russian occupation.

NATO nations are planning an upcoming alliance summit in Vilnius, Lithuania. And Stoltenberg visited Washington to meet with President Joe Biden and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.