— I wanted the counteroffensive to start much earlier because everyone understands that if the counteroffensive starts later, large parts of our territory will be mined. We give our enemy time and opportunity to deploy mines and prepare their defenses, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in the interview with CNN conducted in Odessa on Wednesday.
Missing weapons
According to the president, there are areas of the country where Ukraine cannot even begin to think about attacking because it does not have the relevant weapons. He said he is grateful that the United States took the lead in helping Ukraine.
— But I have told them and also to the European leaders that we want to start earlier with our counter-offensive and that we need all the weapons and equipment for that. Why? Simply because if we start later it will be slower, Zelenskyy said.
The president was also asked about how he is dealing with the stress he has been under since Russia launched its large-scale invasion of Ukraine. Zelenskyy replied that he cannot think about it all the time because then he would “shut down just like Putin who does not leave his bunker”.
Likes AC/DC
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also said that he appreciates the few moments of solitude he gets.
— When I’m alone, I can be with music or a book. And early, early in the morning, when it’s completely quiet, no people, no one. I can read. Think, think. And the music really helps.
He also told us what kind of music he prefers.
— I like AC/DC. And Ukrainian music, of course, Zelenskyy said, adding that an early morning workout to the tunes of AC/DC “gives me energy that lasts the whole day.”