Rustem Umerov gave an interview to Reuters in Kyiv, where he discussed the latest developments on the military front between Ukraine and Russia. Umerov stressed that Russia is increasing its military capabilities, including manpower and equipment, at the front more than 27 months after its full-scale invasion.
Kyiv's troops managed to stabilize a new front in the northeast of the Kharkiv region, where Russia attacked earlier this month. But Umerov said that Moscow is preparing for a new push.
"Their aim is to open a new front in the north to start using all their manpower, firepower against us, they continue their aim to destroy the nation," he said.
"We are holding out, but of course we need more weapons, we need more firepower, we need long-range missiles to prevent them from entering our state."
According to him, Ukraine is grateful for the military aid and weapons provided to its partners, but only half of the promised supplies arrived on time. Each delay benefited Ukraine's much larger and better equipped enemy, with a front line that stretched for 1,200 km.
According to the minister, Russia has about 500 thousand troops in Ukraine and near its borders and is preparing to add another 200-300 thousand.
