President Zelensky sought to strike a confident note during his two-hour long press-conference. Image: REUTERS
President Zelensky: Ukraine’s military request additional 500,000 soldiers.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that, as the war with Russia approaches its two-year mark, the Ukrainian military is planning to mobilize an additional 500,000 soldiers.
While acknowledging that this was an expensive and “sensitive” matter, he informed the press in Kyiv that his commanders were requesting “450,000-500,000 individuals.”
Although 500,000 troops were already deployed to the front, he stated he required more information before supporting the move.
Following US and EU aid disappointments, he makes his remarks.
A $60 billion (£47 billion) military aid proposal for Ukraine was initially vetoed earlier this month by Republicans in the United States Congress.
The US is expected to deliver another military aid package to Ukraine, according to officials from the White House and the State Department.
However, they also noted that the US will have limited authority to send further help after that unless Congress takes action.
After the US disappointment, this week Hungary blocked the EU’s €50bn ($55bn; £43bn) aid plan.
On the other hand, EU leaders assured Ukraine that they would not abandon the country.
As it fights occupying Russian forces, Ukraine is running out of ammunition after Moscow’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
There are concerns that Russia may be able to outgun Ukraine after Kyiv’s counteroffensive came to a standstill at the beginning of winter.
Earlier this month, in an interview with the BBC, Ukraine’s first lady Olena Zelenska expressed her fear that the Ukrainian people were facing “mortal danger” if they were to be abandoned by the West.
Moscow will press on with its invasion, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated this week, promising to accomplish all of his goals.
What Moscow calls its “special military operation” is presently involving 617,000 Russian soldiers, according to the Kremlin chief even.
The military, he conceded, needed more drones because of issues with air defense systems and communication.
The schedule and location of President Zelensky’s secret end-of-year news conference in the Ukrainian capital were concealed from the public. It took place on Tuesday.
The facts were communicated to invited Ukrainian and foreign media in their confirmation letters.
During the two-hour session, the Ukrainian leader, who is known for his military attire, was interrogated on a variety of topics.
Top military leaders in Ukraine “proposed to mobilize an additional 450,000-500,000 individuals” for the war effort, he revealed.
A “very serious number” he called it, and he wanted to talk about it more before he committed to the proposal.
What will happen to the one million-strong Ukrainian army and the men who have been protecting our state for the past two years? I need details. Problems with rotation and holidays are plaguing us.
A thorough strategy is required.
However, any suggestions to rally women were rejected by him.
Our reporter in Kyiv tells us that this is the expected response, but that he is not alone in displaying such resolve.
She also mentions that a lot of the individuals she has encountered are hell-bent on retaliating against their Russian invaders.
Also mentioned by Mr. Zelensky at the briefing was:
By 2024, Ukraine might manufacture one million drones.
Despite rumors’ of animosity, he maintained “working relations” with Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, the head of the Ukrainian military.
At this time, he stated, peace negotiations with Russia are not possible, but he will work to fully restore the internationally accepted borders of Ukraine, including Crimea.
There were moments when the Ukrainian president seemed anxious and irritable when questioned about allegations of corruption among Ukrainian MPs and government officials, despite his best efforts to project an air of confidence throughout the event.