(Reuters) – President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed concerns in an interview on Friday about the potential consequences if Ukraine does not receive the promised U.S. military aid that has been blocked due to disputes in Congress. He highlighted the significant impact of the aid on Ukraine’s defense capabilities, stating that without it, the country would lack crucial air defense systems, missiles, electronic warfare equipment, and artillery rounds.
Zelenskiy emphasized the importance of U.S. support for Ukraine, stating that without it, the Ukrainian forces may be forced to retreat gradually in small steps. He stressed the need to avoid such a scenario and find alternative solutions to address the shortages in munitions. Zelenskiy mentioned the possibility of shortening the front line to manage the limited resources effectively.
The President revealed that the current situation has forced Ukraine to rely on domestically produced weaponry and air defense systems to compensate for the shortages, but acknowledged that it was not sufficient. He highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Ukrainian troops in the conflict, including intensified attacks on infrastructure by Russian forces.
Despite the difficulties, Zelenskiy stated that Ukraine would continue to pursue attacks on targets in Russia, including oil refineries, as a form of retaliation. He also addressed the criticism from Washington regarding Ukrainian attacks, emphasizing the country’s right to defend itself and respond to aggression with its own drones.
Joe Biden, the Democratic President, has urged the U.S. House of Representatives to approve the military and financial aid package for Ukraine. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson has delayed the decision, citing domestic priorities. Zelenskiy stressed the critical nature of the aid package in a recent telephone conversation with Johnson.
Despite recent gains and captures by Russian forces in eastern Ukraine, the front lines have remained relatively stable in recent months. Zelenskiy highlighted the potential risks if the situation escalates further, with concerns about Russian forces advancing towards major cities.
As the conflict enters its third year, Zelenskiy expressed determination to resist any potential retreat by Ukrainian forces and emphasized the need for continued international support to defend the country against Russian aggression. He called for a unified response to protect Ukraine’s energy and infrastructure from further attacks.
In conclusion, Zelenskiy reiterated Ukraine’s resolve to defend itself and maintain its sovereignty in the face of ongoing challenges. He emphasized the importance of receiving the necessary support, including military aid, to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities and deter potential aggression from Russia. The President’s remarks underscored the urgency of addressing the current situation to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
(Reporting by Ron Popeski; Editing by Bill Berkrot and David Gregorio)
