Zelenksy says Ukraine ready to launch counter-offensive

the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyhe said in an interview published by Wall Street Journal this Saturday, the 3rd, that the country is prepared to launch a counter-offensive against the Russian troops, but that it fears suffering considerable casualties due to the air superiority of Moscow. Kiev has been saying for several months that it is preparing a major offensive to try to recover the territories occupied by Moscow since the invasion of the former Soviet republic in February 2022. Zelensky insisted, however, that the country needs more time and weapons. “Many soldiers will die if Kiev is not armed to face Moscow’s air power.” The Ukrainian president said it would be “dangerous” to launch the counter-offensive without more Western help, even though Kiev was “prepared” to recover lost territories after 15 months of invasion.

The statements coincided with new bombings carried out this week against the Ukrainian capital. “Everyone knows perfectly well that any counteroffensive without air superiority is very dangerous,” he pointed out. “Imagine the feeling of a soldier who knows he doesn’t have a roof over his head and doesn’t understand why neighboring countries do,” he said. Zelensky pointed out that the only weapon capable of protecting Ukraine is the Patriot air defense system, manufactured by the United States, and asked for more equipment. “The reality is that 50 Patriots will, for the most part, prevent people from dying,” he said. Zelensky also expressed frustration ahead of a NATO summit scheduled to take place next month in the Lithuanian capital. “If we are not recognized and receive a signal in Vilnius, I believe it makes no sense for Ukraine to be at this summit,” he said.

*With information from AFP