MOSCOW. Sept 5 (Interfax) - The Ukrainian military has not achieved its objectives during the three months of its counteroffensive, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said.
"The Russian Armed Forces continue intensive operations along the length of the frontline. Despite colossal casualties, the Kiev regime has been trying to conduct the so-called counteroffensive for the past three months," Shoigu said at a teleconference with ministry heads on Tuesday.
"The Ukrainian Armed Forces have not achieved their objectives in any sector," he said.
"The Ukrainian leadership is desperately trying to demonstrate at least some success in its offensive to its Western handlers, in order to receive further military and economic assistance, which achieves nothing apart from dragging out the conflict," Shoigu said.