Ukrainian soldiers fire weapons at Russia in Donetsk (Photo: Getty).
"What could happen this year or later this year? That depends on many things. I'll give you an example. Air defense. This is just one example to help you understand how it works," President Zelensky said at a press conference on February 25.
"If Ukraine could have acquired 10 Patriot systems for key industrial centers today or in the coming months, if we could deploy these systems closer to the front lines, then they (Russian forces) wouldn't have been able to reach us, they would have retreated, we would have broken through their defenses and started advancing. 10 Patriot systems. They would have completely changed the situation," Zelensky added.
President Zelensky said he cited the Patriot air defense system as an example and that Ukraine also needs other types of weapons.
"I mentioned Patriot, but that doesn't mean the Patriot system alone is decisive. There are two or three other (weapons) that will end Russia's defenses. A decisive end," Zelensky emphasized.
When asked what would happen to Ukraine in the next year if the current pace of conflict continues and the supply of weapons and ammunition remains insufficient, Zelensky said: "Things will be difficult for us in the coming months. Because the US has developments that affect a number of countries. Although the EU, with appropriate support, has demonstrated its leadership."
"It will be difficult for us in March and April. We will go through a period with many different waves: political , financial and many other kinds of pressure," Zelensky said.
According to the Ukrainian leader, Russia will prepare a counterattack in early summer or late May.
"They will prepare. We will also prepare for the battle. I believe their battle, which began on October 8th, has yielded no results. For our part, we will prepare our plan. The US election will be a turning point. And then we will understand what will happen next," President Zelensky added.
President Zelensky asserted that Ukraine "has no other choice" but to win the war against Russia.
"If we are strong enough in terms of weaponry, we will not lose this war. We will win this war," Zelensky declared.
On the same day, Jake Sullivan, the White House National Security Advisor, expressed confidence that Ukraine could win the war against Russia if it received sufficient aid from its partners.
In an interview with NBC , when asked whether he thought Ukraine could still win militarily , Sullivan said: "Of course Ukraine can win. Of course Ukraine has been militarily successful in one of the biggest goals they set for themselves, which is keeping the country from falling under Russian control."
Mr. Sullivan added that Ukraine would be able to do it "if it had the necessary tools" and that is why the US needs to provide an aid package to Kyiv.
"We are looking at some obstacles, including in recent days, because Ukraine does not have enough ammunition to defend the city of Avdiivka in the east. But ultimately, Ukraine is still capable if we provide them with the tools and resources they need to win this war… Fulfilling our commitments is up to the United States, our allies and partners," the White House official emphasized.
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