Zelensky voices frustration over Russian air superiority

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
8 Sep 2023 20:32

Zelensky blames the slow progress of the counteroffensive on the West's slow pace of weapons deliveries.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023 (AP)

On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his concerns highlighting the critical issue of Russian air superiority that has been hindering Kiev's counteroffensive efforts amidst what he described as a slow supply of weapons from Western allies, AFP reported.

President Zelensky emphasized the impact of Russian dominance in the skies: calling for the acquisition of more "powerful and long-range" weapons to bolster Ukraine's defenses.

"If we are not in the sky and Russia is, they stop us from the sky. They stop our counteroffensive," Zelensky said justifying the slow pace of the counteroffensive.

Keiv has repeatedly requested military aircrafts to combat the Russian forces, but many of its Western allies have hesitated to provide such support. A particular point of contention has been the delayed delivery of US-made F16 fighter jets, intended to modernize Ukraine's aging Soviet-era air fleet.

In response to criticisms regarding the pace of Ukraine's counteroffensive, President Zelensky asserted, "When some partners say: so what about the counteroffensive, when will the next step be? My answer: Today, our steps are certainly faster than the new sanctions packages."

He noted that arms deliveries to Kiev and the implementation of additional sanctions against Russia have become increasingly complicated and protracted.

It was reported yesterday, the United States has unveiled a new $600 million security package, which includes a range of munitions and equipment aimed at enhancing Ukraine's air defenses and battlefield readiness.

The announcement came during a press briefing on Thursday, where Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh provided details of the package.

"Today, the Department announced a new security assistance package through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative to support Ukraine's battlefield needs," Singh said.

"This $600 million package includes equipment to augment Ukraine's air defenses, artillery munitions, and other capabilities," she added.

The security package, designed to address Ukraine's evolving security challenges, encompasses a diverse array of military assets and support, as outlined in a Pentagon press release. Key components of the package include:

The package provides equipment to sustain and integrate Ukraine's air defense systems, bolstering the country's ability to safeguard its airspace.

The US will also be giving Ukraine additional ammunition for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and 105mm artillery rounds, which are vital for ground-based artillery operations.