Canadian Prime Minister Justin #Trudeau visited #Kyiv Saturday, in a gesture of support as #Ukraine braces for a major counteroffensive against Russian forces and grapples with regular airstrikes.

In his nightly video address, Ukraine President Volodymyr #Zelenskyy said he had discussed tactics and achievements with military leadership, but he did not go into details.

"For our soldiers, for all those who at this time are engaged in particularly heavy combat: We see your heroism, and we are grateful for every moment of your lives. Ukraine is as free as you are strong," he said.

Moscow and pro-war Russian bloggers reported intense battles on the Zaporizhzhia front near the city of Orikhiv, around the midpoint of the land bridge linking Russia to the Crimean Peninsula.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed certainty that "this offensive has begun," and added that "Ukrainian troops did not achieve their goals in any sector."

"The initial counteroffensive operations may be the most difficult and slowest, as they involve penetrating prepared defensive positions," the Institute for the Study of War noted in its latest assessment. "Initial setbacks are to be expected. This phase may also see the highest Ukrainian losses."

Both sides have had ample time to prepare for this moment. Ukrainian forces are armed with Western artillery, tanks and training. But Russia's military has entrenched its positions and has brought in additional forces, Axios reported.

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