Foreign Minister Kuleba Accuses Critics of Insulting Ukrainian Soldiers as Counteroffensive Continues

Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, has harshly criticized those questioning the pace of Kyiv’s counteroffensive against Russian forces, calling out Western critics for undermining the efforts of Ukrainian soldiers. Speaking at an EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Toledo, Spain, Kuleba declared that such criticism is tantamount to “spitting in the faces” of the soldiers fighting on the front lines. He also insisted that critics should “shut up” and come to Ukraine to experience the hardship firsthand.

The minister’s remarks came after reports suggested that Ukraine’s offensive had stalled due to misallocation of forces, with some Western officials expressing concerns about the lack of focused military strategy. However, Kuleba defended the approach, emphasizing the necessity of fighting on a broad front while under constant Russian pressure.

Kuleba’s remarks targeted both the United States, which had urged a shift in focus to the southern front, and others who have criticized the slow progress, particularly in the Bakhmut area. He urged critics to understand the complexities faced by the Ukrainian military, including Russian minefields and entrenched positions that have slowed advances.