Volodymyr Zelensky asserts that Ukraine is “ready” for a counterattack, but demands more weapons from the West

Ukraine “Ready” to launch a counterattack Against the Russian forces, although they will certainly suffer great losses due to Moscow’s air superiority, the Ukrainian president emphasized, Volodymyr ZelenskyIn an interview published by the newspaper on Saturday the Wall Street Journalhe. He returned to ask his allies in the West to send more weapons.

In a wide-ranging conversation with the newspaper, Zelensky did not specify “how long it would take” for the counterattack to begin to regain control of territory, but he was sure it would “succeed” and added: “Frankly, this could go a few very different ways. But we will do it, and we are ready.” .”

Ukraine has confirmed for months that it is preparing for a major offensive aimed at recapturing the territories that Moscow has occupied since the invasion of the former Soviet republic in February 2022.

But Zelensky insisted Kiev needs more time and weapons. He warned that “a large number of soldiers will die” if Kiev did not get the weapons to deal with Moscow’s air power.

The Ukrainian president asserted that it would be “dangerous” to launch a counterattack without further Western help, even though Kiev was “ready” to regain lost territory 15 months after the invasion.

He insisted that “everyone knows very well that any counter-attack without air superiority is very dangerous.”

“Imagine the feeling of a soldier who knows that he has no roof and does not understand why neighboring countries are doing it,” said the Ukrainian president.

The Ukrainian leader noted that the Ukrainian ground forces are “stronger and more motivated” than the Russian forces, but if Ukraine cannot resist Russia, “That animal, that beast will evolve its taste.” For conquest and will go further, he added, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

His remarks coincide with new bombings launched this week on the capital.

The Ukrainian leader thanked Western countries for the weapons they have provided him since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022, but He specifically called for more Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems, Of which he will have at least two and need “up to 50”, depending The Wall Street Journal.

“The reality is, 50 Patriots, for the most part, will keep people from dying,” he said.

Russia launched last month About twenty massive attacks by drones and missiles on the Ukrainian capital. Despite the fact that almost all the projectiles were intercepted by the anti-aircraft defenses of the capital, many people died when debris fell on them.

Message to NATO

Zelensky also expressed his frustration ahead of a NATO summit, the military alliance that Ukraine wants to join, in the Lithuanian capital next month.

“If we are not recognized and we don’t get a signal in Vilnius, I think there is no point in having Ukraine at this summit,” he said.

Zelensky also expressed concern that a change in the White House – the US will elect a new president in 2024 – could affect aid.

“In a situation like this, when there is support, there is fear of change,” he said. “And to be honest, when it comes to changing management, I feel like everyone else: you want to change for the better, but the opposite can also happen.”

Source: Agencies

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