In a candid interview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offers a glimpse into the ongoing war with Russia and the strategies employed by both sides. The interview, conducted in London, reveals a leader who is optimistic about Ukraine's progress and the potential for a turning point in the conflict.
Zelenskyy highlights the recent setbacks for the Kremlin, including successful drone attacks on St. Petersburg and Crimea, which have crippled Russia's supply lines and fuel reserves. He believes these strikes are crucial in making Russian society feel the impact of the war, bringing the reality of the conflict closer to home.
"The purpose of long-range strikes is to make residents 'feel' what war means. Victory in this war is when Russian society recognizes that the war is awful, that it's a tragedy for themselves," he explains.
The Ukrainian president also sheds light on Russia's military losses, estimating that the Kremlin is losing over 30,000 soldiers per month, with a significant portion killed and the rest heavily wounded. He attributes this to Ukraine's resilience and the support received from the West, particularly the United States.
However, Zelenskyy acknowledges that Moscow's war efforts continue, with intensified aerial attacks on Ukrainian towns and cities, seemingly aimed at terrorizing civilians. He describes the recent attack that killed 18 people, including a three-year-old boy, as a deliberate use of cluster munitions by the Russians.
On the diplomatic front, Zelenskyy's offer to meet with Putin was rejected, with the Russian president maintaining his territorial demands and an unwavering stance. Zelenskyy suggests that Putin's lies, which have been a constant since the war began, are a tool to unite different elements of Russian society.
"Putin has lied about the war from the beginning, claiming it was necessary to 'rescue' Russian speakers. His lies are a glue, used to 'join' different elements in Russian society together," he says.
The interview also touches on Ukraine's transformation into a drone superpower, with several Arab countries seeking its expertise in countering Iranian Shahed drones. Zelenskyy emphasizes the need for US-made Patriot missiles to defend against Russian ballistic missile attacks, which have become a nightly occurrence.
In addition to military support, Zelenskyy calls for financial assistance to transition Ukraine's mobilized armed forces into a European-style contract army. He proposes a collaborative effort among European countries to develop an alternative to the US Patriot system, offering Ukraine's invaluable experience in drone warfare in return.
Zelenskyy's optimism extends to the potential return of Crimea, with Ukraine's forces targeting the peninsula's critical infrastructure to hinder its militarization. He believes that making Russians feel the impact of the war is a crucial step towards a potential resolution.
The interview concludes with a light-hearted moment, as Zelenskyy reveals a warm relationship with King Charles, who has reportedly urged Donald Trump to support Ukraine. Zelenskyy expresses his desire to invite the monarch to Kyiv, a gesture that symbolizes the international support Ukraine has received during this tumultuous time.
