President Volodymyr Zelensky admits slow progress on the battlefield during Ukraine’s military offensive to recapture areas occupied by Russia has been slower than desired.
He emphasized that some people have unrealistic expectations, treating the situation like a Hollywood movie and expecting immediate results. Zelensky emphasized that the real issue at hand is the preservation of people’s lives.
Ukraine has reported the successful recapture of eight villages in the Zaporizhzhia region and the eastern Donetsk region as part of its counter-offensive.
Zelensky explained that the military operation faces challenges due to extensive landmines laid by Russian forces across a vast area of 200,000 square kilometers (77,220 square miles) within Ukrainian territory. Despite external pressure, Zelensky asserted that Ukraine will continue advancing on the battlefield in the manner it deems most effective.
Zelensky reiterated the importance of Ukraine receiving security guarantees from NATO and expressed the ultimate goal of joining the defensive alliance. However, he noted that NATO’s secretary general clarified that there are no immediate plans to invite Ukraine to the next summit in Lithuania.
Zelensky stressed the need for NATO not to undermine Ukraine’s efforts and pleaded for the delivery of US-made F-16s, anticipating that fighter pilot training could commence in August, with the first jets arriving within six or seven months.
Speaking to the BBC during the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London, Zelensky emphasized that support for Ukraine is not only needed for recovery but also for transformation.
Immediate actions include providing housing for displaced individuals, rebuilding the destroyed Kakhovka dam, and decentralizing the energy network. Zelensky highlighted the broader scope of Ukraine’s transformation, encompassing digitalization, judicial reforms, anti-corruption measures, and overall progress.
Regarding the ongoing war, Zelensky stressed the necessity of victories on the battlefield and declared Ukraine’s refusal to accept a frozen conflict. He emphasized that Ukraine would never engage in negotiations as long as Russia remains on Ukrainian territory, regardless of who holds the presidency in Moscow.
In light of Russia’s recent announcement of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus and President Joe Biden’s warning about the potential use of such weapons by Vladimir Putin, Zelensky expressed concern.
However, he doubted Putin’s readiness to use nuclear weapons, emphasizing that he believes Putin values his own life too much to resort to such extreme measures. Zelensky also addressed Putin’s derogatory remarks about him at an international conference, expressing his surprise and condemning the offensive comments.
In summary, President Zelensky acknowledged the slower progress in Ukraine’s military offensive against Russia and refuted unrealistic expectations. He emphasized the importance of preserving lives, highlighted the challenges posed by landmines, and asserted Ukraine’s determination to advance on the battlefield according to its own judgment.
Zelensky called for NATO’s security guarantees and requested the delivery of F-16s while emphasizing Ukraine’s need for support in recovery and transformation. He affirmed Ukraine’s commitment to achieving victories on the battlefield and rejected the prospect of a frozen conflict. Finally, Zelensky expressed concern about the potential use of nuclear weapons by Putin and condemned the offensive remarks made by the Russian president