Zelensky recently spoke to The Wall Street Journal about the much anticipated counter-offensive, but which comes after the significant loss of Bakhmut last month. "I don't know how long it will take," Zelensky told the newspaper. "To be honest, it can go a variety of ways, completely different. But we are going to do it, and we are ready."

But the longer and greater delay before it is actually launched, which will be sure to feature ample Western weaponry, the more doubt is likely to build. Kiev and its allies have been touting it with much bravado, and yet nothing has materialized in terms of a major advance or gains. Zelensky cautioned in the interview that "the time will soon come when we will move to active offensive actions."

He also stressed that "we can't wait for months" on further much-needed advanced weapons from the West, which has recently included approval of Abrams tanks and F-16 jets from European partners, but for which Ukrainian operators must undergo extensive training. Zelensky's impatience has been on continual display despite the West having already spent tens of billions in defense funding and weaponry for Kiev.