KYIV, Ukraine: Ukraine is ready to launch a long-awaited counteroffensive against Russia but fears large casualties due to Moscow’s superior air power, President Volodydmyr Zelensky said in comments published Saturday.Ukraine has said it is preparing for a major offensive against Moscow’s occupation forces for months, but Zelensky has repeatedly warned that Kyiv needs more time and weapons.
“A large number of soldiers will die” if Kyiv is not given the weapons to counter Russian air power, Zelensky said. While Kyiv was “ready” for the offensive and believes it will succeed, the Ukrainian leader said it would be “dangerous” to launch without more Western help to counter Russian air attacks.He spoke as the capital was this week hit by a series of aerial assaults, including a rare daytime one. “Everyone knows perfectly well that any counteroffensive without air superiority is very dangerous,” Zelensky said.
“Imagine the feeling of a soldier who knows that he doesn’t have a roof and he doesn’t understand why neighbouring countries have one.” He said there was only one weapon—the US-made Patriot air defence system—that could protect Ukrainian skies, asking for more to be delivered to Kyiv. “The reality is 50 Patriots will, for the most part, prevent people from dying.”He said his enemy Russian President Vladimir Putin, who launched the invasion of Ukraine in February last year, “should be afraid of the strength of the world.”
He called him a “cornered animal, he is afraid to lose his life”.Zelensky also expressed frustration at Western leaders ahead of the NATO summit in Vilnius next month, as pressure has grown to grant Ukraine a roadmap for joining the alliance.
“If we are not acknowledged and given a signal in Vilnius, I believe there is no point for Ukraine to be at this summit,” he said. He acknowledged that Kyiv understood it was not possible to join NATO during the Russian invasion.The US newspaper also showed footage of Zelensky in a white gown visiting a wounded soldier in hospital who had lost both hands.
LONDON: Ship traffic through the Suez Canal plunged by two thirds at the start of the month, according to new data...
LONDON: Three people have been arrested on suspicion of immigration offences after five migrants including a child...
The King’s charity has marked Stop Food Waste Day by launching a new round of the food education programme it...
Migration, the inheritance of trauma and female resilience are among the themes explored in the six books shortlisted...
Baroness Floella Benjamin will receive the Bafta Fellowship for her “tireless support of children and young...
DUBLIN: The Irish premier has apologised on behalf of the state to the families of the victims who died in the Dublin...
Ryan Gosling has said he has a greater appreciation for stunt performers after facing his fears by dropping 12 storeys...
Doctor Who writer and showrunner Russell T Davies has said he hopes to bring in new viewers or win back people who...