Volodymyr Zelensky sends a clear message to Vladimir Putin.
Ukraine is ready to launch a counter-offensive – now.
– We strongly believe that we will succeed, says the president.
During a press conference in Kiev yesterday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vaguely answered questions about what the counter-offensive will look like.
– This is not a movie. It is difficult for me to say how you will notice the counteroffensive. The main thing is that Russia sees it and feels it, he told reporters on the spot.
– When it happens, you will notice it.
“Can’t wait for months”
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal published on Saturday, the Ukrainian leader was clearer. Ukraine is ready for a counter-offensive – now.
– My opinion is that today we are ready to do it, he says.
– We strongly believe that we will succeed, but we do not know how long it will take.
Zelenskyi also repeated his plea for more weapons from the West that can be used to help Ukraine during the upcoming counter-offensive.
– We would like to have certain things, but we cannot wait for months, he says.
Zelenskyi on Putin: “Weak man”
The Ukrainian president also talked about the nuclear threat from Vladimir Putin.
– His constant threat to use nuclear weapons is a sign of a weak man.
Zelenskyi likens the Russian president to a “cornered animal”.
– He is terrified.
Trump’s maid
In the interview, Zelenskyj was also asked about how he views the support from the United States, and how it may be affected by the upcoming American election.
– I never understood what Donald Trump said, that within 24 hours he would “bring Putin and Zelensky to the table and end the war”. He could have done it, but it never happened, he says.
The president also expressed gratitude to Joe Biden and the support of the American leader.
– If we are talking about a change in the administration, I feel the same as everyone else. You want a change for the better, but it can also be quite the opposite.