Zelensky asks partners for permission to strike at Russian territory by their weapons
21 May 2024 10:09
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy is negotiating with Western partners to change the paradigm of their support. He said this in an interview with Reuters, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
In particular, Zelensky stressed that the West has been taking too long to make key decisions that are important for Ukraine.
“Every decision we come to together is about a year late. One big step forward, but before that, two steps back. We need to change the paradigm a little bit,”
– Zelenskyy said.
The President added that he would like Ukraine’s partners to be more directly involved in the war, although he understands that they are afraid of provoking Russia.
“This is a matter of will. But everyone says a word that sounds the same in every language: everyone is afraid of ‘escalation’. Everyone is used to Ukrainians dying – this is not an escalation for them,”
– he said.
For example, the President noted, the armed forces of neighbouring NATO countries could intercept Russian missiles over the territory of Ukraine.
“The Russians use 300 aircraft over the territory of Ukraine. We need at least 120-130 planes to resist in the sky,” he said,
– he said, adding that if countries cannot supply aircraft, they can still fly from neighbouring countries to shoot down Russian missiles.
The Ukrainian president also noted that Kyiv is negotiating with international partners to use their weapons to strike Russian military equipment on the border and further inside Russia.
“So far, there is nothing positive,”
– he said, stressing that Ukraine does not violate agreements with its allies not to use their weapons inside Russia.
“We cannot endanger the entire volume of weapons,”
– mr Zelenskyy said.
