Ukraine may run out of air defense missiles in a month due to the high intensity of shelling, Zelenskyy said.
“There are moments when only Patriot or an analogue can work. And here we have to choose – which object to protect, this city or another city. Today's intensity of the Russians is quite high, we have a reserve of air defense for today, but we have to think about what will happen tomorrow. Tomorrow the intensity may continue – and we will not have enough,” he said in an interview with Ukrainian TV channels.
Also, according to him, only 10% of the promised F-16s will be transferred to Ukraine this year. At the same time, they will be able to work in conjunction with air defense.
Kyiv will agree if the US transfers its aid to a credit basis, as proposed by the Republicans, Zelensky said.
“A senator was there recently. And he says: Will you agree to loan money? If, for example, they say that the money is loan money, or you won’t get it. I replied: What is the point of these elections if there is no choice? We will agree to anything – any option,” the president said.
Previously, American media wrote that the idea of "debt relief" on Bankova Street was considered "offensive.".
Zelensky supported Macron's proposal for French military personnel to come to Ukraine to train the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“I believe that the troops that will train our guys here are much faster than sending brigades there. And they should also gain combat experience here, on this equipment. Because it’s one thing when you’re on this equipment in a peaceful state, and another thing when you’re on the battlefield. The second: build repair hubs to repair all Western equipment in Ukraine, in certain regions, underground. It works, we’re even already doing some things and we see how much faster it is. Some of the equipment that we send for repair, we get back after three months. We’re also in favor of the initiative to be at the border. How can we refuse? If they offer this and come, we’ll only support it,” the president said.
At the same time, he stated that he could not publicly call on other countries to send troops into Ukraine.
"I cannot publicly say, 'Armies of the world, come to Ukraine and fight,' because Russia will raise the hype and split the unity of the world," the president said in an interview with Ukrainian TV channels.
"If I come up with such an initiative, Russia will do everything to stop military aid to us. We have citizens of other states who come to fight for Ukraine, and we will never be against anyone who wants to help us," Zelensky added.
According to him, he is not familiar with the details of discussions in the West about the possible deployment of troops to Ukraine.
Main points of the interview:
– stated that the Russians “raised” the negative sentiment against mobilization in Ukrainian society. They also “painted a picture of events for the West such that partners are now asking: if you don’t want mobilization, then why do you need help?”
– repeated that the Russian Federation must be ready to mobilize 300,000 by June 1, and “we must be ready.”.
– made it clear that it is difficult for the Armed Forces of Ukraine to conduct rotations now:
“Everyone gets tired, they need to be released. But you need the same number of guys with the same experience to replace them. And if your reserves are not that strong, you won’t be able to release the guys. Otherwise, tomorrow you won’t have a city, it will be under Russian occupation.”.
– Kharkiv, according to the president, “is not in danger” from the point of view of the Russian offensive. “Today we are defending the Kharkiv region with absolute confidence,” Zelensky said.
According to him, the construction of fortifications is 92-98% complete on the main front lines.
– the Armed Forces of Ukraine do not have shells for a counterattack, but they are enough for defense. Ukraine has also increased the production of drones “tens of times.”.
– there is no specific list of countries to participate in the peace summit in Switzerland yet. “But we expect to have 80-100 countries of the world present,” Zelensky said.
According to him, a meeting with the President of Switzerland will take place in the coming days, after which invitations will begin to be sent to leaders of states.
