Zelensky Speaks Of The “extremely Difficult” Situation At The Front

War in Ukraine

Updated February 19, 2024, 9:37 pm

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Western arms deliveries to Ukraine have been halted for months. After a visit to the front, President Zelenskyy admits huge problems and warns of an erosion of solidarity.

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After a visit to the front, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the situation as “extremely difficult”. There are problems in sections of the front where the Russians have concentrated the largest reserves, Zelensky said in his daily video address on Monday. “They are taking advantage of delays in aid to Ukraine.”

Zelensky complained about the lack of artillery shells, anti-aircraft systems near the front and long-range missiles. Kiev is working hard to regain aid from its Western partners, the Ukrainian head of state assured his compatriots. Ukrainian forces only had to withdraw from the town of Avdiivka over the weekend.

Ammunition is scarce

Zelensky had already visited the Kupiansk front sector in the Kharkiv region. The Russians, who were expelled from the city in autumn 2022, have been advancing for weeks on the small town with the railway junction, considered strategically important, also because the Ukrainians have very little ammunition. In his speech, the President thanked the Ukrainian companies that boosted weapons production in their own country. However, the country is not yet able to supply itself with weapons and ammunition and is still dependent on aid, he said.

In his speech, Zelensky also addressed Polish farmers' protests against Ukrainian agricultural exports. The Polish blockade of border crossings was a devastating sign of the “erosion of solidarity”, he said. Given that only five percent of Ukrainian agricultural exports cross the Polish border, the problem lies not with cereals, but with politics. Joint decisions aimed at the common good are needed to resolve the situation, he said. (dpa/cgo)

Updated February 19, 2024, 7:52 am

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen promised artillery ammunition to Ukraine. The country wants to donate all of its supplies. Ukrainian President Zelensky had already asked for weapons and ammunition. (Photo credit: image alliance/dpa/Tobias Hase)

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