Zelenskyy outlines preconditions for major Russian offensive: Key requirements
Putin is weighing two options: an assault on Ukraine or a strike against the Baltic states, Zelenskyy says.
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Zelenskyy warned of a potential Russian strike on the Baltic states / © Associated Press / © Associated Press
For Russia to mount a large-scale offensive on the front, it will be forced to conduct a mobilization, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated during the national telethon.
«Why carry out such a massive mobilization? Option A — to repeat an offensive, a major offensive against Ukraine. Option B — to do it with less cost and less effort, and launch a parallel offensive where they can get by with fewer combat forces,» he said.
The president does not rule out that the Baltic states will become the target where fewer troops are required.
«Why? Because one state or another, for example, a Baltic one, is not ready for a high-intensity confrontation. Because they are small—not because they aren’t brave, while the Russians are brave,» Zelenskyy said.
In his view, Russia has a plan to conduct mobilization, and that is exactly why it is blocking the internet — to suppress potential riots. As for where Putin decides to strike, Zelenskyy believes the enemy has several options on the table.
«And here is the question: he (Putin — ed.) is watching how NATO countries react. And I think the choice depends exactly on that. Whether they will intervene or they won’t,» Zelenskyy noted.
He urged NATO countries to unite and respond to Russian aggression.
«NATO countries have no other way out. Because otherwise, there will be no NATO. They must unite and respond to what Putin might do. Otherwise, they simply won’t have an alliance anymore,» the head of state said.