Zelensky: Russia taking advantage of slow arms delivery

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has voiced concerns over Russia’s exploitation of the delayed delivery of Western weaponry to escalate their offensive. These remarks follow the approval of a $61 billion predominantly military aid package for Ukraine by the US.

Zelensky said aid has started to arrive but has called for it to be delivered faster.  His sentiments were echoed by NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg, who said “It’s not too late for Ukraine to prevail”.

This discussion arises amidst reports from authorities in Odesa, a Black Sea port, confirming casualties and injuries resulting from a Russian missile strike. Odesa’s regional leader, Oleh Kiper, said that the attack claimed the lives of three women and one man, with casualties including a four-year-old, a 16-year-old, and a pregnant woman. Significant damage to civilian residences and infrastructure was reported.

“The Russian army is now trying to take advantage of a situation when we are waiting for supplies from our partners”

Earlier on Monday, Russia announced the capture of a second village within two days as part of its ongoing offensive in eastern Ukraine.

At a joint press conference in Kyiv, President Zelensky said: “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 stabilising the front.”