In a recent interview with CNN, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that due to the slow pace of munitions supply from partners, Ukraine was not able to equip even four brigades out of the planned 14 brigades.
This came in response to a question by CNN journalist Fareed Zakaria about the US and Europe providing military aid packages to Ukraine, but the country still faces weapons shortage, especially amid the difficult situation in Donbas and Kharkiv directions in eastern Ukraine where Russians push forward daily.
Zelenskyy explained that rapid Russian advances were due to equipment shortages on the Ukrainian side. He also mentioned the impact of an eight-month pause in US aid decisions, forcing Ukraine to deplete its reserves and storage.
“When we speak about equipment, how to equip brigades, it doesn’t matter how many brigades stand on one direction if half of them are not equipped,” Zelenskyy emphasized.
He pointed out the stark disparity in artillery usage, noting, “To compare the number, Russia uses 12 rounds – we use one. 1 to 12, that’s the difference.”
Regarding the operation in Kursk, Zelenskyy defended it as a strategic move to divert Russian forces, despite the inherent risks.
Long-range strikes inside Russia with Western weapons
The President also addressed Ukraine’s request to use Western-supplied weaponry for strikes within Russia. He clarified their intention to target military bases, not civilian infrastructure, highlighting the destruction caused by Russian aerial bombs and missiles on Ukrainian civilian targets.
“They use jets to [launch] 4,000 guided aerial bombs per month just on the east,” Zelenskyy stated.
The President expressed frustration with the delays in decision-making, noting that Russia has begun moving its jets further from the Ukrainian border, complicating potential strikes.
“We had some meetings with officials, and I said ‘We waited for too long’. Now Russia begins to move the jets from 100-150 km (62-93 miles) to 300 to 500 km (186-310 miles),” Zelenskyy stated.
Related:
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- Defense One: Top US Commander Cavoli advocates for increased Western aid to Ukraine
- All Western aid decisions for Ukraine lag by one year – Zelenskyy
- Forbes: Ukraine expands incursion into Russia with new thrust into Kursk Oblast
