Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is preparing soldiers for a major Russian offensive that is expected in the coming months, likely before the summer begins. Zelenskyy stressed the importance of foreign aid being used to provide tangible weapon systems, specifically long-range artillery, to give Ukraine a chance at victory. The House recently passed a $60.8 billion aid bill for Ukraine, which will now go to the Senate and President Biden for final approval. Senator Mark Warner, head of the Senate Intelligence Committee, expressed hope that aid shipments with long-range ATACMS would be sent as soon as possible once the aid package is approved.
Ukrainian troops have managed to resist Russian advancements through the winter but have struggled to contend with Russia’s vast supply of missiles and shells, which have caused significant damage and allowed for increased occupation in the East. Zelenskyy has warned of another major offensive from Russian troops expected in June or potentially even sooner, around the end of May. He has called for support from Ukraine’s allies, including the United States, to help defend the country. Zelenskyy mentioned that the Kremlin plans to mobilize 300,000 troops by June 1, with intentions to seize the eastern city of Chasiv Yar by May 9.
Zelenskyy emphasized the need for equipment such as artillery shells and the ability to fight Russian reconnaissance drones to repel the enemy and thwart the Russian Federation’s plans for a full-scale offensive. U.S. aid not only strengthens Ukraine’s defense but also sends a powerful signal to the Kremlin that Ukraine will not become the next Afghanistan, and the United States will stand with Ukraine to protect democracy worldwide. Senator Dan Sullivan, a supporter of military aid to Ukraine, linked the weakness perceived from the Biden administration and the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan to emboldening Putin to invade Ukraine.
Zelenskyy reiterated the importance of receiving necessary equipment before the impending full-scale attack from Russia. He expressed concerns about the lack of equipment for soldiers in the region near the occupied city of Bakhmut, emphasizing the need for artillery shells to fight off Russian forces. Zelenskyy’s goal is to repel the enemy and disrupt the Russian Federation’s plans for a major offensive. While there is bipartisan support for sending aid to Ukraine, there are uncertainties about the future of U.S. support for Ukraine, particularly if former President Donald Trump were to be re-elected in November. The situation in Ukraine remains tense as the country prepares for a potential escalation of conflict with Russia.
