ISTANBUL

A Ukrainian presidential adviser on Friday said the progress in its long-awaited counteroffensive against Russia was hindered by a slow supply of weapons by its Western partners.

“Time is always important ... especially in war. The time lost in convincing our partners to provide the necessary weapons is reflected in the specific Russian fortifications built during this period, the deeply dug defense line, and the system of minefields,” Mykhailo Podolyak said on Twitter.

Podolyak said offensives on the front line continue “in a number of areas,” but added that breaking the Russian lines requires “a reasonable and balanced approach.”

“Real war is not a Hollywood blockbuster. The counteroffensive is not a new season of a Netflix show. There is no need to expect action and buy popcorn,” Podolyak said.

The acknowledgement comes a day after Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu said Ukraine's counteroffensive had slowed following 16 days of combat activities, and the troops were regrouping after suffering "heavy losses."

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy admitted that Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russian forces had been “slower than desired.”

“Some people believe this is a Hollywood movie and expect results now. It’s not. What’s at stake is people’s lives. Whatever some might want, including attempts to pressure us, with all due respect, we will advance on the battlefield the way we deem best,” he told the BBC on Wednesday.