One big step forward, but two steps back before that: Zelenskyy sharply criticized the delay in military aid
Each decision about aid is made approximately a year late, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
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President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Photo: Associated Press
Western allies take too long to make key decisions, delaying the implementation of new military support plans for Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made this statement in an exclusive interview with Reuters in Kyiv on Monday, May 20.
Clearly disappointed, he described the delivery of aid, particularly air defenses such as Patriot systems, which Ukraine relies heavily on in its war with Russia, as "one big step forward, but two steps back before that".
"Every decision that we, and then all of us, come to, is made approximately a year late", he said, dressed in his signature khaki-colored T-shirt and pants, sometimes raising his voice.
The Ukrainian President's harsh remarks came at a perilous time for his troops, who are outnumbered and outgunned by Moscow's army and are losing territory in the northeast and east of the country.
Zelenskyy suggested ways that allies could help directly, including shooting down Russian missiles over Ukrainian territory under certain circumstances.
"The Russians use 300 aircraft over Ukrainian territory", he said.
"We need at least 120-130 aircraft to be able to oppose them in the sky", added Zelensky, referring to the American-designed F-16s, some of which he hopes will soon be used in combat.
"You can’t provide that right now? Fine ... regarding the planes you have in neighboring NATO countries: raise them ... shoot down the targets, protect civilians", the Ukrainian President said. "Can they do it? I’m sure they can. Is it an attack by NATO countries, an involvement? No".
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