"Putin hopes freezing cold will kill Ukrainians": Zelenskyy appeals to the world

The Kremlin is counting on using winter as a weapon against the civilian population.

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said this in Denmark during a media briefing together with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

“Putin hopes that winter will kill our people in places his troops cannot reach,” Zelenskyy stressed.

He emphasized that the number of Russian attacks is increasing, and that is why Ukraine urgently needs to strengthen its air defense. In particular, this concerns Patriot systems, which in sufficient numbers are available only in the U.S.

According to the Head of State, Kyiv has already submitted a request to Washington for 10 additional Patriot systems. Ukraine is also negotiating to expand the production capacity of American companies that manufacture these systems.

“Our children, our families are under threat every day. We need Patriots and all possible air defense systems,” Zelenskyy said.

Separately, he spoke about discussions on sanctions against Russia in the format of dialogue with U.S. President Donald Trump. Zelenskyy stated that pressure from the United States could force Putin to shift from war to a diplomatic format.

“If Putin agrees to this, then sanctions or tariffs can be applied as a tool of pressure. If not, further support and assistance to Ukraine is needed,” he said.

Zelenskyy reported that he plans another conversation with the U.S. President in the near future to clarify issues regarding weapons supplies and sanctions pressure on the Kremlin.