In a recent interview with Fox News conducted on the front lines in Kharkiv Oblast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky challenged the notion that the conflict with Russia has reached a stalemate. Amidst the sounds of nearby artillery fire, Zelensky's conversation with reporter Bret Baier marked his first front-line interview since the onset of the full-scale war.
Contrary to perceptions of a deadlock, Zelensky emphasized that Ukrainian forces are actively planning new strategies and offenses, particularly highlighting Ukraine's effective targeting of Russia's Black Sea Fleet. "Russia will face some surprises," Zelensky assured.
Furthermore, Zelensky claimed that Russian battlefield losses significantly surpass those of Ukraine, with a ratio of one Ukrainian soldier to five Russian soldiers killed in action. This statement comes as the war approaches its second anniversary and amid concerns over the continuity of Western support due to delays in U.S. funding to Ukraine.
The recent withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Avdiivka, which marked Russia's first notable victory in months, has underscored the impact of funding delays. President Joe Biden attributed the loss of Avdiivka to Congress's failure to authorize additional aid. Zelensky, addressing the potential consequences of diminished support, stated, "Ukrainians will survive without Congress' support, but not all of us."
He reiterated calls for Western allies to supply long-range weapons to counteract Russian forces' numerical strength and air superiority. Questioning the hesitation, Zelensky asked, "If the partners possess those systems, why not provide them to Ukraine?"
The interview aired shortly after Tucker Carlson, a former Fox News host known for his far-right views, published a discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky seized this opportunity to appeal to Western viewers, cautioning that a Russian triumph would spell disaster universally. He warned, "Putin will never cease his ambitions. He aims to dominate Eastern Europe as part of his broader objectives."
Emphasizing the urgency for Ukrainian forces to expedite their operations and eliminate bureaucratic obstacles, Zelensky concluded, "Time equates to lives, not just money, in our situation."
