Ukrainian forces are experiencing significant losses due to the sluggish arrival of Western arms, which are essential for adequately equipping the military, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy revealed in an interview with CNN aired on Sunday.
Russia has been making advances in eastern Ukraine, particularly around Pokrovsk. The capture of this strategic transport hub could potentially open new avenues for Moscow's attacks. Zelenskiy described the situation in the east as "very tough," noting that half of Ukraine's brigades in the region are not properly equipped.
"So you lose a lot of people. You lose people because they are not in armed vehicles ... they don't have artillery, they don't have artillery rounds," Zelenskiy stated in English. CNN reported that the interview took place on Friday.
Zelenskiy expressed frustration with the slow delivery of promised weapons aid packages from the United States and European nations. "We need 14 brigades to be ready. Until now ... from these packages we didn't equip even four," he said.
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan announced on Saturday that Washington is working on a "substantial" new aid package for Ukraine. Zelenskiy is scheduled to meet with US President Joe Biden this month, where he will present a plan to end the war. The plan includes security and diplomatic support, as well as military and economic aid.
Zelenskiy believes that the only thing Russian President Vladimir Putin fears is the reaction of his people if the war's cost becomes unbearable. "Make Ukraine strong, and you will see that he will sit and negotiate," Zelenskiy said.
Zelenskiy will also reiterate his demand for Ukraine to be permitted to use U.S. long-range weapons to target military installations deep within Russia. Kyiv requires this authorization because Russian jets have started operating up to 500 km (310 miles) from the front lines, compared to 150 km earlier, according to Zelenskiy.
