Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed army commander-in-chief Valery Zalushny’s fears of a possible deadlock in the war with Russia. “Nowadays people are tired, everyone is getting tired, and there are different opinions. That is clear, but there is no stalemate,” Zelensky said in Kiev on Saturday.
General Zalushnyj had stated in the British magazine The Economist that Ukraine was trapped in trench warfare. The Ukrainian president spoke again.
F-16s should bring change
Due to Russian air superiority, the Ukrainians are more cautious in deploying their soldiers, Zelensky said. The F-16 fighter jets and stronger air defenses expected next year would change the situation in Ukraine’s favor, the head of state said at a news conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The deputy head of Zelensky’s presidential office, Ihor Zhovkva, criticized Saluzhny’s open commentary on what was happening at the front. “Instead of the army, I would comment less for the press and the public on what is happening, can happen and what variants there are,” he said on Ukrainian television. This only helps the war enemy Russia. After the publication of the article and an interview with Saluschnyj, he was also asked by the head of a Western state agency whether Ukraine was actually at a “dead end” militarily.
Mistakes in offensive planning have been admitted
Ukraine has been defending itself against Russian invasion for more than 20 months with massive Western aid. The major counter-offensive to liberate the Russian-occupied territories fell far short of their own objectives. In his article, Saluschnyj admitted errors in planning. The West must enable Ukraine to change this situation with new arms supplies. He also called for greater mobilization of Ukrainians to overtake their Russian opponents in terms of reserves.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umyerov asked for more ammunition for the country’s defenders during a telephone conversation with his American counterpart Lloyd Austin on Saturday. At the same time, Umjerow thanked the US for the military assistance it had provided so far.
Von der Leyen: “90 percent of the way behind him”
Apart from the difficult situation at the front, the head of the European Commission, Von der Leyen, brought good news during her sixth visit to Kiev since the start of the war. She stated that Ukraine almost fully complies with the requirements for accession negotiations with the EU. “You are already more than 90 percent of the way there,” Von der Leyen said in a speech to the Ukrainian parliament Rada. Far greater progress has already been made than could be expected from a country at war. She also announced new punitive measures against Russia.
“You are waging an existential war and at the same time you are fundamentally reforming your country,” Von der Leyen said after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Ukraine has achieved many milestones. Von der Leyen mentioned reforming the legal system, curbing the influence of oligarchs and combating money laundering. “This is the result of hard work and I know you are working to complete the remaining reforms.”
A decision on the negotiations will be made soon
Next Wednesday, the President of the Commission will present in Brussels the report on the progress of reforms in Ukraine. On this basis, the Heads of State or Government of the European Union want to decide in December whether accession negotiations with the government in Kiev should begin. The EU made Ukraine a candidate for membership last year – a few months after the Russian invasion.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
