Kiev: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Kiev is currently unable to launch a counteroffensive due to a shortage of weaponry.
“We can’t start yet. We can’t send our brave soldiers to the front line without tanks, artillery and HIMARS [multiple launch rocket systems],” Zelenskyy said in an interview with The Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper.
He added that Ukraine is currently waiting for the supply of weapons from its partners, and that the situation in the east of the country is “unfavorable.”
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that, after listening to Zelenskyy via video link, EU leaders reassured the Ukrainian president that they would help Kiev win the conflict against Russia, which started its special military operation in Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
On Thursday, EU leaders supported a plan to accelerate the transfer of ammunition to Ukraine, joint purchases of artillery shells and the development of Europe’s own military production capabilities. Earlier in the week, the EU agreed on a two-billion-euro ($2.14 billion) plan to supply Ukraine with one million ammunition rounds.
Ukraine has been reportedly preparing to launch a counteroffensive against Russia in the spring of this year, with a number of Western officials, including Macron, expressing their willingness to help Kiev. The Kremlin has repeatedly warned against further escalation of the situation that could lead to the US and NATO’s direct involvement in the conflict.
