Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia may intensify its offensive in the northeastern Kharkiv region, where Russian forces have recently made some territorial gains. In an exclusive interview with AFP, Zelensky expressed concerns that the recent advances could be the “first wave” of a broader offensive. He stated that Russian troops had managed to penetrate between five to ten kilometers along the northeastern border before being halted by Ukrainian forces. Despite these setbacks, Zelensky cautioned that the situation in the Kharkiv region remained “controlled” but “not stabilized.”
Zelensky emphasized the critical need for Ukraine to bolster its air defense capabilities. He stated that Ukraine currently possesses only a quarter of the air defenses necessary to defend itself against Russian air superiority. The Ukrainian President stressed the need for “120 to 130” F-16 fighter jets or other advanced aircraft to achieve air “parity” with Russia. He appealed to Western allies to provide Ukraine with the necessary support to counter Russia’s military advantage.
In response to the Ukrainian offensive, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that the action was a retaliation for Ukraine’s shelling of border regions and that Moscow aimed to create a “security zone.” Russian forces have captured approximately 278 square kilometers of territory, marking their most significant gains since late 2022. However, Zelensky emphasized that Russian advances had come at a substantial cost in terms of infantry and equipment losses.
With the ongoing conflict showing no signs of abating, Ukraine has been facing challenges in recruiting and maintaining its military forces. To address this, Zelensky signed a mobilization law that lowers the age for conscription from 27 to 25 and imposes stricter penalties for draft avoidance. An online registration system has also been implemented to facilitate the registration of individuals liable for military service.
Despite the pressures of the war, Zelensky insisted that Ukraine remained committed to its long-term strategy. He criticized the West for seeking a hasty end to the conflict without addressing Ukraine’s security concerns. Zelensky urged Western allies to adopt a tougher stance against Russia, including permitting Ukrainian forces to strike into Russian territory using Western weapons.
In response to Ukraine’s request for increased military support, Poland announced plans to invest $2.5 billion in fortifying its eastern border with Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. Western allies have been pressing for a swift resolution to the war, but Zelensky believes Ukraine must play the “long game.” He emphasized the need for Russia to be held accountable for its aggression and for Ukraine’s security to be guaranteed.
