Zelensky demands more US weapons, threatens wider strikes on Russia

"Give us weapons to stop the Russian attacks, or Ukraine will intensify its strikes on Russian energy infrastructure and other strategic targets," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in an interview with the "Washington Post." He mentioned that the US administration is not pleased with the attacks on Russian refineries.

In the interview, conducted in Kyiv and reported by columnist David Ignatius, Zelensky sent a strong message to the US Congress:

"Give us weapons to stop the Russian attacks, or Ukraine will escalate its counterattacks on Russian airports, energy facilities, and other strategic targets," said the President of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian President explained that although Ukraine has managed to stabilize the situation at the front, it would be forced to retreat without additional supplies of ammunition to shorten the front line and prevent Russian advances into major cities.

"The lack of US support means we lack air defense, Patriot missiles, electronic warfare jammers, or 155 mm caliber artillery shells. This situation could force us to retreat step by step," he pointed out. He also highlighted Ukraine's deficiency in missiles for air defense systems.

Zelensky also confirmed reports by the "Financial Times" indicating the US authorities' disapproval of Ukrainian strikes on refineries in Russia, which have resulted in a surge in oil prices.

"The US reaction to these actions was not positive," he acknowledged. However, he emphasized that Washington cannot prevent Ukraine from making further attacks since it uses its own drones. He clarified that this approach is a direct response to Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, asserting that Ukraine will reciprocate if Russia ceases its bombings.

"If there is no air defense to shield our energy system and the Russians attack, my question is: why can't we respond? Their society has to learn to live without gasoline, diesel, without electricity (...), it's only fair," he argued.

When asked about Joe Biden's level of caution in supporting Ukraine, Zelensky opined that the US President is concerned about a potential nuclear attack from Russia. Although Zelensky doubts Vladimir Putin would take such a gamble, he acknowledged the Russian leader's unpredictability.

"He is unpredictable. No one in the world can definitively say what he might do next. That's a reason for Biden's cautious approach," he remarked.