Former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (2005-2009) said that the ability of Ukrainian defenders to resist the Russian army was a surprise.. As for the reaction of the Ukrainians themselves to the invasion, it was natural, Rice added during an interview with Voice of America..

" - I have been to Kyiv many times, I have been to other parts of Ukraine. I know how strong the identity of the Ukrainian people is. I know how they love their language, which is very different from Russian"

She added that the unity of Ukraine, the readiness of the people for self-sacrifice and the skill of the Armed Forces of Ukraine " Rice noted that after the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation, our state was able to strengthen and resolve some conflicts.

" I would say thank you to the Ukrainian people. Thank you for standing up for the principles and values \u200b\u200bthat we have professed for all these years - individual freedoms, freedoms and the right to determine your future,"

Rice also noted that the United States will continue to support us - after the victory of Ukraine.

" It's very hard, and no doubt it will continue to be hard.. But I hope that the Ukrainian people believe, as I do, that we will be with you when the aggressor is rebuffed and the time comes to rebuild,"

She stated that Ukrainians are ready to fight for an international system in which a neighbor cannot destroy a weaker one with the help of military force..

In addition, the United States is interested in teaching the Russians a lesson so that this does not happen..

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Recall, the head of Ukrainian intelligence Kirill Budanov said that Ukraine plans to conduct a large-scale counteroffensive in the spring. The " At the same time, the head of the GUR believes that 2023 will bring victory to our state. According to him, good news should be expected in the middle or in the second half of the year..