Zelensky warns of intensified strikes unless US supplies weapons
"Give us the weapons to stop Russian attacks, or Ukraine will intensify strikes on Russian energy infrastructure and other strategic targets," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in an interview with The Washington Post. He confirmed that the US administration disapproves of attacks on Russian refineries.
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As David Ignatius, a columnist for the newspaper, reports, during the interview conducted in Kyiv, Zelensky sent a poignant message to the American Congress:
"Give us the weapons to halt the Russian onslaught, or Ukraine will escalate its counteroffensive on Russian airports, energy facilities, and other strategic targets."
The Ukrainian president mentioned that although Ukraine has managed to stabilize the front line situation, it would be compelled to retreat and condense the front line without further supplies of ammunition, to prevent Russian forces from reaching major cities.
"The absence of US support means we lack air defense capabilities, Patriot missiles, electronic warfare jammers, and 155 mm artillery shells. This forces us to retreat step by step, incrementally," he stressed.
He also acknowledged that Ukraine has an insufficient number of missiles for its air defense systems.
Zelensky discusses US reaction
Zelensky corroborated earlier statements by the Financial Times that the US authorities are discontented with Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries, which have led to an increase in oil prices.
"The reaction from the USA was unfavorable regarding this matter," the Ukrainian president admitted.
He further stated that Washington cannot prevent Ukraine from carrying out further such attacks because it employs its drones. He highlighted that these are direct responses to Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and announced that Ukraine would reciprocate if Russia ceases its bombings.
"If there is no air defense to shield our energy system and the Russians attack it, my question is: why can't we retaliate? Their society must learn to live without gasoline, diesel, electricity (...), it's only fair," he declared.
When asked if Joe Biden is excessively cautious in supporting Ukraine, Zelensky mentioned that the US president fears a potential nuclear attack from Russia. While Zelensky doubts Vladimir Putin would take such a step, he acknowledged the Russian leader's unpredictability.
"He's unpredictable. No one in the world can confidently predict his actions. That's why Biden is cautious," he observed.
Source: "The Washington Post", PAP
