In a recent interview with CNN, Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to the US for more military and economic assistance, as his country faces increasing pressure from Russia. Zelensky said that Ukraine needs more weapons, equipment, and training from the US to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also urged the US to increase its financial support for Ukraine’s reforms and anti-corruption efforts, as well as to facilitate its integration into NATO and the European Union.
Zelensky’s request comes amid growing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, which annexed Crimea in 2014 and continues to back separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine. According to Zelensky, Russia has amassed more than 100,000 troops near the border with Ukraine, posing a serious threat of escalation and invasion. He warned that a new war in Europe would have devastating consequences for the whole world and called on the US and its allies to show solidarity with Ukraine.
The US has been a key partner of Ukraine since the 2014 revolution that ousted pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych. The US has provided more than $2 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since then, including lethal weapons such as Javelin anti-tank missiles. The US has also imposed sanctions on Russia for its aggression against Ukraine, and supported Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts to end the conflict through the Minsk agreements.
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However, Zelensky argued that the current level of US aid is not enough to deter Russia from further aggression. He said that Ukraine needs more advanced weapons, such as air defense systems, anti-ship missiles, and drones, to counter Russia’s military superiority. He also asked the US to increase its economic assistance to Ukraine, which is struggling with a recession and a pandemic. He said that Ukraine needs more funds to implement reforms, fight corruption, and improve its governance and rule of law.
Zelensky also expressed his frustration with the slow pace of Ukraine’s integration into NATO and the EU, which he sees as vital for his country’s security and prosperity. He said that Ukraine has fulfilled all the criteria for joining NATO’s Membership Action Plan (MAP), which is a preparatory stage for full membership.
He urged the US to use its influence to persuade other NATO members, especially Germany and France, to grant Ukraine the MAP status as soon as possible. He also asked the US to support Ukraine’s aspirations to join the EU, and to help it negotiate a free trade agreement with the bloc.
Zelensky said that he hopes to meet with US president Joe Biden soon, and to discuss these issues in person. He said that he appreciates Biden’s support for Ukraine, but that he expects more concrete actions from him. He said that he wants to hear a clear message from Biden that the US stands by Ukraine and will not allow Russia to violate its sovereignty or territorial integrity. He said that he believes that only a strong and united response from the US and its allies can prevent a new war in Europe.
Zelensky said that Ukraine needs more than just words of solidarity from the US and its allies, but also concrete actions that would deter Russia from escalating the conflict in eastern Ukraine and along the border. He specifically mentioned the need for anti-tank missiles, air defense systems, electronic warfare equipment and naval vessels.
He also called for more economic pressure on Russia, such as imposing additional sanctions on its energy sector and blocking its access to international financial institutions. He said that such measures would make Russia pay a high price for its aggression and would force it to negotiate a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
Zelensky also addressed the domestic challenges that his country faces, such as fighting corruption, reforming the judiciary, strengthening democracy and improving the living standards of the people. He said that he is determined to continue his ambitious reform agenda, despite the resistance from some vested interests and political opponents. He said that he needs the backing of the US and the international community to succeed in his efforts to transform Ukraine into a modern and prosperous European state.