Russia Takes Over Avdiivka, Ukraine's President Zelensky: They Take Advantage of Aid Delays

JAKARTA - Russia is taking advantage of the delay in aid to Ukraine, while the situation in the region where Moscow's troops are concentrated is very difficult, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

President Zelensky made the remarks after visiting the frontline of the Kupiansk sector in the northeast, territory recaptured by Ukraine in 2022, but where Russian troops have actively resisted in recent months.

His visit came days after Russia captured Avdiivka, further south, following months of heavy fighting, representing its biggest frontline advance in nine months.

"Now there is a very difficult situation in several parts of the front line, precisely where Russian troops have concentrated their maximum reserves," said President Zelensky, as reported by Reuters, February 20.

"They took advantage of the delay in aid to Ukraine and this is a very sensitive issue. The shortage of artillery, the need for front-line air defense and long-range weapons," he explained.

Previously, President Zelensky had expressed confidence that the United States Congress would support a large aid package, including aid to Ukraine, which was delayed due to disagreements among lawmakers.

Separately, US President Joe Biden said on Monday he was willing to meet with House Speaker Mike Johnson to discuss the funding bill, adding Republicans made a mistake by opposing the aid package.

The US Senate this month passed a $95 billion aid package that includes funds for Ukraine. However, Johnson refused to bring it up for a vote in the House, which Republicans controlled by a 219-212 margin.