A Ukrainian serviceman walks in a trench at a position
A Ukrainian serviceman walks in a trench at a position near the frontline town of Bakhmut, Ukraine, on May 30 2023
  • Two Ukrainian soldiers pushed back against those claiming Ukraine's counteroffensive is too slow.
  • The soldiers told Insider they're making progress despite Russia's better weapons and deep defenses.
  • They said they are short on key weapons and choosing tactics that keep their troops alive.

Ukrainian soldiers are pushing back against criticism their counteroffensive against Russia isn't going quick enough.

Ukraine launched its attack in June, and while it has succeeded in regaining some territory, progress has not been sweeping enough to significantly reshape the conflict.

Two soldiers with units on the front lines of Ukraine's fight told Insider that any such criticism was unfair and ill-informed.