Zelenskyy on Western armies, Ukraine’s losses, the need for Patriot systems, and speaking to Putin
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosed Ukraine’s military losses for the first time and hinted at potential government cuts due to financial strains at a major press conference held on Feb. 25 to mark the two-year anniversary of Russia’s ongoing full-scale invasion.
NV has collected the key points from his address.
Zelenskyy revealed Ukraine's military losses for the first time
"31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died in this war,” he said.
“Not 300,000, not 150,000, as Putin and his lying pack would have you believe. But with that said, each loss is a great tragedy for us."
Ukraine lost 13,000 soldiers in the war by the end of 2022, Presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak said at the time.
Potential reduction in the number of ministries due to funding shortages
"We've had this discussion with the Prime Minister, and it's strictly based on a lack of funds,” Zelenskyy said.
“If this financial shortfall continues, we will do everything to ensure our state's administrative infrastructure, and I'm not only talking about the Cabinet of Ministers here, is reduced. We are prepared for this format - reducing the number of ministries for more coordinated, if not to say cost-effective governance ... I think by spring, in a month or two, we'll have a clearer understanding and will be able to make informed decisions."
Zelenskyy stressed need for U.S. support within the month
"We have hope in Congress,” Ukraine’s President said.
“I am confident there will be a positive outcome; otherwise, I can't comprehend the kind of world we're beginning to live in, definitely a different one. That’s why we are counting on the support of Congress. They know we need their support within the month."
Ukraine may lose territories without Western weapons
"The pressure from the Russians is quite strong. The intensity of their artillery use was about 12 times our use at the end of last year and the beginning of this year,” Zelenskyy said.
“Now, their firepower usage is about 6.6 times, roughly seven times, as strong as ours. We need to reach the point where we had similar usage, [as in our] counteroffensive actions, where it was closer to 1.5 times, 3 times [the usage]. Then we could push the Russians back. Without such numbers, we can either hold our ground or lose 100 meters, 50 meters. Unfortunately, this is important to us, but strategically, it's more important not to lose people."
Zelenskyy asserted 10 Patriot missile systems would significantly change the frontline situation
"If Ukraine could obtain ten Patriot systems for our key industrial centers, if we could deploy these systems closer to the front line, the Russians wouldn't be able to approach us; they would retreat,” he said.
“We'd break their defensive line and advance. This doesn't mean these systems alone would resolve everything on the battlefield. I'm just giving one example."
Zelenskyy emphasized there's no alternative to American air defense systems
"We will look for other opportunities to buy weapons, take additional money, additional loans, press on our partners, ask them very strongly,” Zelenskyy said.
“This is a matter of specific weapon packages. For example, a Patriot system costs 1.5 billion, but you can't buy it without the U.S. So, can Ukraine's air defense be strengthened without the U.S.? No, there are no equivalent systems available worldwide in sufficient quantity."
Ukraine optimistic about acquiring long-range weapons
"Regarding the ATACMS with a 300 km range, we understand their purpose, and so does Russia,” he said.
“We're working on long-range weapons. I'd summarize by saying I'm optimistic following our partners' recent response."
Kremlin knew of Ukraine's counteroffensive plans before they began
"Our counteroffensive actions last fall were on the Kremlin's table even before they started."
Four brigades lacked Western tech for summer counteroffensive
"We had a 'fist' for the counteroffensive, but to this day, four of those brigades remain 'naked',” Zelenskyy said.
“[They remain] without the equipment that was agreed upon, signed for, with handshakes exchanged... It didn't arrive."
Read also: Ukraine has a plan for 2024, which is not publicly disclosed — Umerov
Clear plan for 2024, a pivotal year
"There is a plan. The plan is clear,” he said.
“I can't share the details, I don't have the right. This plan involves a change in leadership ... This year is pivotal and will determine the format of the war's conclusion."
Ukraine to face challenges in March and April
"The next few months will be difficult for us,” Zelensky said.
“We will be going through a period of 'waves': political, financial, and pressure."
Announcing Macron's visit to Ukraine
"It will be soon,” he said
“I understand when, but for security reasons, I won't specify the date."
Read also: Macron postpones his visit to Ukraine due to ‘security concerns’
Ukraine not negotiating use of partner armies
"We are not negotiating with our partners about deploying their armies on Ukrainian territory,” he said.
“If Ukraine were in NATO, that would provide us with the strongest security guarantees, and accordingly, I think we would invoke Article 5 if it came to that. Based on experience, Russia does not attack any NATO member countries."
Addressing questions of Ukrainian Government legitimacy post-May 2024
"This (doubts about the legitimacy of the Ukrainian government after May 2024) is a narrative and program of Russia,” Zelenskyy said.
“The intelligence communities of the G7 countries have the relevant documents. Everyone is against this."
On face-to-face conversation with Putin in December 2019
"We had a lengthy conversation, which at times had us shouting at each other,” he said about speaking with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
“I explained to him that the Minsk agreements wouldn't work because the topic of troop withdrawal along the contact line just doesn't hold up. I laid it out for him with very specific figures. By that time, I had already traveled the contact line... And I showed him—look at the overall numbers, the time it took us to withdraw. I told him we'd be withdrawing for 20 years, and that means we'd remain in a state of a frozen conflict for 20 years, indicating that the war isn't over...”.
Zelenskyy also addressed the transfer of Russian gas.
“The second issue was about gas, about the lawsuit we won, but you know how they react to lost cases, and it was emphasized that they would, after all, transfer the money to us. We did receive the money then."
The third issue Zelenskyy discussed with the Russian dictator was about the exchange of prisoners, he added.
Zelenskyy promised to offer Putin a platform where he can admit defeat
"We'll offer a platform where he (Russian dictator Vladimir Putin) can agree that he lost this war, and that it was a mistake,” Zelenskyy said.
“A big mistake, which for him is minor, but for us, it's a tragedy."
Transferring Russian assets to Ukraine would significantly weaken Putin
"If everyone acts, with about 300 billion in frozen assets in Europe, if these funds are transferred to Ukraine without any conditions, I think that would significantly weaken him (Putin),” said Zelenskyy.
“It would be a precision strike without any bloodshed.”
Read also: Vandals in Poland spill Ukrainian grain; fourth incident in recent days
On the blockade of the border with Poland.
The Ukrainian government continues negotiations with Poland; however, using Ukraine as pressure on European institutions is unfair, Zelenskyy stated.
"I said that any elections in Poland, any team will not change this political trajectory,” he said.
“I understand that there is an internal struggle in Poland. We really wouldn't want politicians to act this way... If no steps are found, then we will defend our business."
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
