Demands, expectations, dictates: Zelensky now after missiles, jets

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
25 Jan 23:22

After securing companies of tanks, Ukraine's President says securing jets to fight against Russia is a task.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky giving an online address (Screen capture)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Wednesday that the West must provide Kiev with jets and long-range missiles in order to help the fight against Russia.

"I've spoken with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg today," Zelensky said.

"We must also open deliveries of long-range missiles to Ukraine, it is important -- we must expand our cooperation in artillery," he added.

Ukraine's leader also stressed that his country needs jets to be able to repel Russia's forces.

"This is a dream. And this is a task."

His statement comes directly after the United States and Germany announced that they will send their most advanced main battle tanks to Ukraine, the US-made M1 Abrams and the Leopard 2.

"Speed and volume are key now," Zelensky said, referring to the tanks deliveries and training of troops to operate them. "The terrorist state must lose," Zelensky added.

"The more defence support our heroes at the front receive from the world, the faster Russia's aggression will end," he claimed

Earlier today, the United States stated that it will supply 31 of its M1 Abrams main battle tank to Ukraine, a delivery to be fulfilled in a matter of months.

Also today, the German government Spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit announced that Berlin had decided to send 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.