Zelensky says Ukrainian Armed Forces ready to launch counteroffensive
Although he would like to receive more weapons from Western allies, Ukraine "cannot wait for months"
The Armed Forces of Ukraine are ready to launch a counteroffensive to liberate the territories occupied by Russia.
Source. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelensky in an interview with The Wall Street Journal.
"I do not know how long it will take and what price we will pay. To be honest, there are several options for the development of events, completely different. But we are ready," he said.
Zelensky emphasized that the time has come, and although he would like to receive more weapons from Western allies, Ukraine "cannot wait for months." The president did not give a specific date, but on May 30 he said that the timing of the counteroffensive had been approved.
Zelensky also added that the Armed Forces "believe in success very much," but Russia still has air superiority, so the Ukrainian military could suffer "significant losses."
He also acknowledged the lack of air defense systems. Ukraine especially needs American Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems, which are capable of intercepting Russian missiles. Currently, the Armed Forces have two of them, but, according to Zelensky, at least 50 are needed to protect civilians and the military participating in the counteroffensive.
Zelensky warned that if Ukraine fails to resist Russia, "this animal, this beast will develop a taste" for conquest and move on. He called on the international community to help his country as much as possible and do everything possible to increase Russia's isolation.
The United States and allies "have met Ukraine's needs for a counteroffensive," said John Kirby, the White House National Security Council's strategic communications coordinator, the day before.
"We are confident that we did everything we could. And when I say "we," I don't just mean the United States," he said.
Kirby emphasized that they are ready to supply Ukraine with "the systems, weapons, artillery and ammunition that the Ukrainian Armed Forces will need to conduct operations in the coming months." At the same time, air defense systems will remain a priority.
Background. As a reminder, US Secretary of State Blinken called Putin's war against Ukraine a strategic failure. Ukraine can count on a serious aid package at the NATO summit in Vilnius in July, he emphasized.
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