Ukraine Ready for Counterattack Against Russia, President Zelensky Requests More Western Aid

KYIV, KOMPAS.com – Ukraine is ready to launch a counterattack against Russia, but President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday (3/6/2023) expressed fears that there would be heavy casualties on his side.

Zelensky has repeatedly warned that Ukraine needs more time and weapons to counterattack.

A large number of soldiers will die if Kyiv is not given weapons to counter Russian air power, Zelensky said, quoted by the AFP news agency.

Also read: While Russia is Busy Seizing Ukraine, Its Own Territory Could Break Away…

The Ukrainian leader also said it would be dangerous to launch a counterattack without more Western help against Russian airstrikes.

Zelensky’s comments came as the capital Kyiv was hit this week by a series of airstrikes, including infrequent daylight.

“Everyone knows very well that any counterattack without air superiority is very dangerous,” Zelensky said.

He continued, there is only one weapon namely the US-made Patriot air defense system that can protect the skies of Ukraine, then asked for more to be sent to Kyiv.

“The reality is 50 Patriots, for the most part, would have prevented the death toll.”

Zelensky added that Russian President Vladimir Putin should be afraid of world powers.

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However, Zelensky’s frustrations have also been expressed at Western leaders ahead of the NATO summit in Vilnius next month.

Ukraine continues to press to join the defense alliance.

“If we are not recognized and given a signal in Vilnius, I believe there is no point in Ukraine being at this summit,” he said.

He acknowledged that Ukraine understood it was impossible to join NATO during the Russian invasion.

Also read: Within a month Russia has launched 16 airstrikes on Kyiv

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