Following the passage in the House of a major military aid package for Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his country’s urgent need for the arrival of US weapons to repel a potential Russian offensive. Zelensky stated that his forces are preparing for a significant battle in the eastern part of Ukraine, specifically targeting the city of Chasiv Yar, which Russia aims to capture by May 9.
In an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Zelensky emphasized that his soldiers are outgunned and lack necessary equipment to combat Russian reconnaissance drones and guide their artillery. He further highlighted the inadequacy of long-range weapons and air defenses in the Ukrainian forces. Zelensky also stressed the lost time and momentum due to the delay in the aid package, emphasizing the urgent need to stabilize the situation and regain the initiative.
The $60 billion aid package had faced obstacles due to internal disputes among Republicans regarding whether or not to support Ukraine once morest Russia’s invasion that occurred over two years ago. As a result, Ukraine’s front-line units have been depleting their armaments and facing a potential 10-to-1 disadvantage in artillery rounds.
President Zelensky expressed gratitude towards House