Russia has focused most of its firepower on the eastern city of Sievierodonetsk while also trying to consolidate control over southern territory encompassing the strategic city of Kherson, north of the Black Sea.
"It is clear that this will not end soon. But then again, if we are given all the weapons that we need, the counter-offensive could well be over by the end of the summer," Marchenko told US-backed broadcaster Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
Russia said it had opened a humanitarian corridor from Azot on Wednesday to allow civilians to escape territory it controls. It accused Ukraine's forces of disrupting that plan and using civilians as human shields, which Kyiv denies. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance was"extremely focused on stepping up support" for Ukraine.Recent deliveries of M777 howitzers from the United States have been too few and that Ukraine remains numerically outgunned, officials said.
The visit by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi has taken weeks to organise with the three men looking to overcome criticism within Ukraine over their response to the war. The expected trip has not been announced for security reasons.
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