Kenneth Glad
Ukraine is pressing for stronger protection as Moscow’s campaign shows signs of strain. The next phase may depend on weapons, alliances and pressure far from the front.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has told The Guardian in an interview in London that Russia is no longer controlling the rhythm of the war as it once did.
“We can’t say Russia is losing this war. But we can say they are losing the initiative each day, day by day,” he said.
Ukraine has expanded long-range drone attacks on oil facilities, transport links and military infrastructure connected to Russia’s campaign, including targets in occupied Crimea.
Zelenskyy told the paper that Russia’s eastern advance has almost stopped and that Moscow is losing more than 30,000 soldiers a month, including those killed and badly wounded.
He said the figures suggest the Kremlin has failed to turn its manpower advantage into a decisive breakthrough.
Ukraine has also suffered losses, but Zelenskyy presented Russia’s toll as evidence that its offensive is weakening.
Kyiv and Dnipro attacks continue
Military pressure on Russia has not ended the danger for Ukrainian civilians.
The Guardian reported recent Russian missile and drone attacks on Kyiv and Dnipro that killed civilians, including a child.
Zelenskyy said Vladimir Putin’s justification for the invasion has relied on false claims from the beginning.
“The reason he’s lying doesn’t matter,” Zelenskyy said.
Putin rejects direct talks
Zelenskyy offered to meet Putin face to face, but the Russian leader rejected the proposal and repeated Moscow’s claims over Ukrainian territory.
Zelenskyy also said Russia is facing a shrinking circle of support after setbacks for pro-Kremlin forces abroad.
“They are isolated inside Europe and from the United States also. So they are alone,” he said.
Ukraine seeks Patriot systems
Zelenskyy said Ukraine needs more Patriot systems because they can intercept Russian ballistic missiles.
He is also asking European governments to help defend Ukrainian airspace and support Ukraine’s move toward a contract-based army.
In return, he said, Ukraine can share hard-earned drone warfare knowledge with NATO partners.
Source: The Guardian
