‘A VERY STRONG HAND’: Amid signs the start of the much-anticipated Ukrainian counteroffensive is growing near, the Pentagon said it believes the coalition of nations providing military support has given Ukraine what it needs to succeed.

“They have nine mechanized armored brigades that we’ve provided, they have significant air defense capability. The entire world has come together to ensure that they have ammunition, and importantly, we’re also providing training, and we’re working very closely with them on sustainment and logistics aspects,” said Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder at yesterday’s Pentagon briefing. “So as they prepare to conduct counter-offensive operations, they have got a very strong hand and we’re very confident that they have the combat capability that they’ll need.”