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NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday (Apr 29) expressed optimism that it was "not too late" for Ukraine to win its ongoing conflict with Russia, despite the significant challenges the war-torn nation faces.

Ukrainian forces, as per AFP, have been struggling in the face of Russian advances for months. The nation dependent on foreign military aid had to wait for stalled weapons deliveries from allies even as Russian troops steadily inched forward along the frontline.

Outgunned, 'but not too late'

During a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the NATO chief said, "Ukraine has been outgunned for months, forced to ration its ammunition… But it's not too late for Ukraine to prevail."

He acknowledged that the months-long delays in US military aid to Kyiv had "serious consequences on the battlefield" but insisted that "more support is on the way".

Our allies are looking into what more they can do, and I expect new announcements soon. So we are working hard to meet Ukraine's urgent needs," he added.

The urgency for increased support was echoed by President Zelensky, who said, "The Russian army is now trying to take advantage of the situation when we are expecting supplies from our partner."

That is why promptness in supply literally means stabilisation of the front line," he stressed, adding, "Together, we must disrupt the Russian offensive."

The Ukrainian leader also mentioned that "some things" in the long-awaited aid "have started to arrive" because of recent approval by US President Joe Biden, but declined to "go into details"

Russian advances

This comes as Ukrainian forces face a relentless Russian offensive that has seen gradual territorial gains in eastern Ukraine, including the recent capture of two villages near the strategic town of Avdiivka.

Concurrently, a deadly missile strike on the Black Sea port of Odesa resulted in the death of four

Three women and a man were killed. According to the updated toll, 27 people were wounded, including two children... and a pregnant woman," stated Governor Oleg Kiper on Telegram.

"Four of the wounded are in serious condition, doctors are fighting to save their lives," he added