President Zelensky Wants West To Accelerate Supply Of New Weapons For Counterattack Against Russia: Still Hopes For F-16 Jets

President Volodymyr Zelensky. (Source: President.gov.ua)

JAKARTA - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he wanted the retaliatory attacks on Russian troops occupying his territory to take place sooner than in June, urging Western allies to speed up arms supply for the mission.

"I want our retaliatory attacks to be carried out more quickly, because everyone understands, if a retaliatory attack happens any later, then most of our territory will be reviewed," President Zelensky said.

"We give our enemy time and possibility to put more mines and prepare their defensive line (if slower, red)," he continued.

He further said the difficulties on the battlefield had caused Ukrainian forces to slow down the retaliatory offensive, aiming to retake territory in eastern and southern Ukraine captured by Russia since the invasion in February 2022.

Furthermore, President Zelensky has also consistently encouraged the United States and other Western allies to supply its armed forces with more sophisticated weapons, such as US-made F-16 fighter jets and long-range missiles.

Although, he also expressed his gratitude to Washington and European allies for the support they had previously given.

"This is not about Ukraine's superiority in space over Russia," President Zelensky said.

"It's just about equality. The F-16 doesn't just help those on the battlefield to move forward. It's very difficult to move forward without protection from the air," he said.

Last week, President Zelensky said the retaliatory attacks were "slower than desired", without elaborating, but he later said progress had been made "in all directions".

On the other hand, Russia did not recognize Ukraine's forward movement and said Kyiv forces suffered heavy casualties.