Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said his country is "preparing" a major counteroffensive against Russia in a recent interview, as the nation continues to receive weaponry from the United States and Europe.
"We are really preparing...the big plan to de-occupy or liberate all temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk, and other territories," Reznikov said in an interview with Kyodo News on Friday in Kyiv.
The minister refrained from specifying the schedule, place, direction or conditions of the counteroffensive, saying they are "top secret."
Ahead of the Group of Seven developed countries' summit on May 19-21 in Hiroshima, western Japan, Reznikov said he hopes the group will discuss their response to Russia's aggression against Ukraine, including economic and political sanctions and the establishment of an international tribunal to prosecute those in the Kremlin for alleged war crimes.
"For us, it is very important to hear that the countries of this serious club, a very distinguished club like the G-7, will continue supporting Ukraine without any doubt," he said.
He expects the group to demonstrate its unwavering support "not only with a declaration, but with a real approach, and with real results."
As Ukraine continues in its fight against Russia, the minister said he "understands" Japan's "neutrality" in areas where the country's pacifist Constitution prevents it from providing weaponry.
"But you are a very, very modern country with electronic warfare. We need it vitally," he said, requesting Japan to provide equipment that would jam Russian drones and prevent them from attacking civilian infrastructure.
Regarding repeated nuclear threats by Russia, Reznikov said the Kremlin is "bluffing" to discourage support to Ukraine from the United States, Japan and European countries.
