Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that his country’s success hinges on Western support and expressed confidence that the United States would approve essential military aid. Zelensky disclosed that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers lost their lives in the ongoing conflict with Russia, acknowledging the significant military casualties.
Zelensky emphasized the critical role of Western partners in determining the outcome of the conflict and highlighted the urgent need for assistance as Ukraine faced challenges due to ammunition shortages and delays in US aid approval. He expressed optimism that the US Congress would provide the necessary support, despite opposition from Republicans.
In a rare admission, Zelensky revealed the toll of the war on Ukrainian forces, refuting inflated casualty figures from Russian sources. He lamented the loss of each soldier and underscored the sacrifices made by Ukrainian troops in the conflict. Zelensky also criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, questioning the possibility of meaningful dialogue with a leader who disregards human rights and suppresses dissent.
Zelensky dismissed the idea of engaging in talks with Putin, citing the Russian leader’s oppressive tactics and recent controversial actions. He referenced the death of Putin’s prominent critic Alexei Navalny in suspicious circumstances, raising concerns about the state of democracy in Russia. Zelensky expressed a desire for change in Russia’s leadership and voiced skepticism about Putin’s intentions to retain power for an extended period.
