Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, asserts that Russia exploits the delayed delivery of Western weaponry to escalate its offensive.
His remarks follow the US’s agreement on a $61 billion (£49 billion) aid package, predominantly comprising military assistance, for Ukraine.
Zelensky acknowledges some aid has commenced arrival but stresses the urgency for swifter distribution.
Speaking alongside NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg, Zelensky emphasizes that “it’s not too late for Ukraine to prevail.”
These statements coincide with reports from authorities in Odesa, a Black Sea port, confirming a Russian missile strike resulting in four fatalities and 32 injuries.
Oleh Kiper, Odesa’s regional head, details the casualties, including women, a man, a four-year-old, a 16-year-old, and a pregnant woman, while highlighting damage to civilian residences and infrastructure.
On the same day, Russia announces the capture of a second village within two days as part of its ongoing offensive in eastern Ukraine.
During a joint press conference in Kyiv, President Zelensky underscores, “The Russian army is now trying to take advantage of a situation when we are waiting for supplies from our partners, especially from the United States of America. And that is exactly why the speed of deliveries means stabilizing the front.”