Zelenskyy Warns of Waning Global Pressure on Russia, Vows Ukrainian Retaliation
Ukrainian Leader's Concern Over Sanctions Against Russia
According to Главком: In an interview with Reuters, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed alarm that international sanctions pressure on Russia is declining. He emphasized, however, that Ukraine is prepared to retaliate against attacks using its own long-range capabilities.
'Global pressure on Russia is waning. We are seeing shifts in sanctions policy. Yet, unlike many others in the world, Ukraine has its own sanctions-long-range weapons,'
Zelenskyy stated.
The President further warned that Russia could prolong the war if Ukraine fails to stop the aggressor.
'The Russians have internally escalated this war to such a degree that if we do not stop Putin, it will continue,'
he noted. Zelenskyy suggested a significant portion of young people in Russia desire the destruction of Ukraine and Europe, seek to restore Soviet-era influence, and aim to dismantle NATO.
Military Actions and Threats to Ukraine
Amid ongoing hostilities, Russian forces destroyed a dam on the Siverskyi Donets River near Raihorodka on March 23. Experts estimate water reserves in the first and second lift reservoirs will last approximately two weeks. Zelenskyy also reported that Russia is preparing an operation targeting Ukraine's water supply systems.
'We also know the Russians are preparing an operation for the coming months against water supply systems. Every community must take the protection of these facilities with the utmost seriousness and responsibility,'
the President stressed.
He added that, given sufficient budget, Ukraine has the capacity to produce two thousand interceptor drones per day, which could become a crucial asset in countering Russian aggression. Meanwhile, the Russian Federation continues the second phase of its winter offensive against Ukraine, with primary targets being:
- water supply
- reservoirs
- dams
- logistics
President Zelenskyy's remarks underscore growing concern that shifts in international sanctions policy are impacting Ukraine's security. A reduction in pressure on Russia may encourage further aggression, which, according to the President, necessitates proactive measures from Ukraine to defend its territory. This situation highlights the critical link between Western economic policy and battlefield dynamics. Concurrently, plans for drone production and a focus on protecting critical infrastructure indicate Ukraine's ongoing efforts to adapt to new challenges posed by Russian attacks, which could significantly influence the future course of the conflict.
As the situation evolves, concerns are mounting over the shortages in air defense and the potential easing of sanctions against Russia. These issues are critical for Ukraine's ongoing defense efforts, especially in light of President Zelenskyy's warnings about the implications of reduced global pressure on Moscow.
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