Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has voiced concerns about the inadequate amount of weaponry available to effectively counter Russian military forces.
In an interview with PBS, he emphasized the dire need for increased support from allies, particularly the US, to match the strength of their adversaries.
Dire Straits for Ukrainian Defense
In conversation with PBS, the Ukrainian President expressed a stark reality about the current situation on the front lines, where Ukrainian forces face overwhelming odds.
"I tell you frankly - without this help [from allies, particularly the USA], we will have no chance of winning. We must be much stronger than our enemy - that's what I'm talking about," Zelensky stated.
Zelensky outlined the stark numerical disadvantage faced by Ukraine, with the ratio of artillery shells and aircraft heavily favoring Russia.
"Today, an artillery shell (on the Ukrainian side) - can we stand like that - 1 to 30 planes? We are not asking for any special weapons. And no one is asking for 500 or 300 planes - Russia, by the way, uses 300 planes only on the territory of Ukraine! In any case, with these statistics, they (the Russian Federation) will push us back every day," he explained.
Call for Equivalent Firepower
The Ukrainian president outlined the necessity for parity in artillery shells and called for significant enhancements in air defense capabilities.
"How to destroy [the enemy], the plan is very simple. It is clear. It exists. There are specific weapons that are needed to go forward, specific weapons to protect the sky, and specific weapons to unlock the sky for the military to advance," explained Zelensky.
Uncertain Future
Looking ahead, Zelensky was realistic about the challenges Ukraine will continue to face, dismissing any notions of an easier struggle in the coming year.
"We are thinking about tomorrow. Our goals are much more vital and simpler. We have to live tomorrow. What will happen next year - no one knows. We do not understand what support Ukraine will have, what other wars there may be in the world, what will happen to the US Congress (with the decision regarding Ukraine)," he said.
This interview comes in the backdrop of ongoing heavy losses, including the destruction of the Trypil Thermal Power Plant, which Zelensky attributed to a shortage of missiles for its defense due to insufficient aid from allies.
