Владимир Зеленский. Фото: t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the United States had supplied Kyiv with just 24 interceptor missiles for Patriot air defence systems over the past three months. According to him, Ukraine needs around 350 such missiles every month. He made the remarks in an interview with ABC News.
He stressed that Ukraine needs significantly more air defence systems to protect itself against Russian attacks. On Thursday evening alone, 30 ballistic missiles struck Kyiv.
Zelenskyy said he did not feel betrayed by the United States but expressed regret over what he described as insufficient support from Washington.
“I feel what I feel,” the Ukrainian leader said. “It’s not supportive.”
He added that he remained grateful to the United States for its partnership in the war against Russia but acknowledged that he did not always behave “politely.”
“Ukraine can’t have weak president now,” he said.
“Of course I’m a normal person, I’m just human, maybe not such a big humanitarian as Putin, of course,” the Ukrainian leader said ironically.
He added that he preferred to speak openly about disagreements with US President Donald Trump rather than engage in diplomatic games.
“Like between friends, like in the family, you have to be honest, not to play games. I don’t play games with Trump. This is my difference between me and Putin. I don’t play with him any games. I’m direct, honest,” he said.
Zelenskyy confirmed that he would be ready to conclude a peace agreement today if that were possible. He reiterated that Ukraine was open to freezing the conflict along the front line to end the war, which has been going on for nearly five years.
“We are ready to stop this war as quick as possible,” he said.
According to the Ukrainian president, Russia currently controls more than 19% of Ukraine’s territory, but Kyiv does not intend to cede additional land to bring the war to an end.