President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has stated that Russia is gearing up for a fresh offensive against his country, potentially commencing in late May or during the summer period. Despite this looming threat, Zelenskyy assured that Kyiv possesses a well-defined strategy to counter Moscow's actions.
Addressing reporters in Kyiv one day after marking the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Zelenskyy underscored the importance of unity between Kyiv and its Western allies. He reiterated that Ukraine's ability to emerge victorious hinges upon the continuous support from Western nations.
Asserting Ukraine's readiness to confront the anticipated assault, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for strategic planning and preparedness. He disclosed that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers had perished since February 2022, providing the first official casualty count in over a year. However, the Russian foreign ministry dismissed this figure as inaccurate.
Zelenskyy stressed the criticality of troop rotations and enhancing the readiness of Ukraine's reserve forces for sustaining the war effort. He referenced a New York Times report from August, which cited US officials estimating Ukrainian casualties at nearly 70,000, while suggesting that up to 120,000 Russian troops had lost their lives during the conflict.
Acknowledging the mounting challenges faced by Ukraine, including shortages of military resources and the pressing need for extended-range weaponry, Zelenskyy expressed confidence in securing significant military and financial assistance from the US Congress. He emphasized the urgency of this decision, emphasizing Ukraine's reliance on Western support for its war efforts.
In light of recent territorial gains by Russian forces, particularly the capture of Avdiivka, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of Kyiv's undisclosed battlefield strategy to counter Russian advances. Despite the setbacks experienced in previous offensives, Zelenskyy remained optimistic about Kyiv's military plans, emphasizing the need to preserve diplomatic initiatives for achieving peace.
Looking ahead, Zelenskyy expressed hope for convening a summit in Switzerland this spring to articulate Ukraine's peace proposal to its allies, with plans to subsequently present the blueprint to Russia. He emphasized the importance of maintaining diplomatic momentum in the pursuit of peace amid ongoing hostilities.
