President Zelensky Predicts Russia Will Have Retaliatory Attacks On Ukraine Earlier This Summer

President Zelensky when he met Ukriana troops on the front lines. (Twitter/@ZelenskyyUa)

JAKARTA - Russian troops are preparing for a new attack on Ukrainian troops in late May or Summer, but Kyiv has clear plans on the battlefield, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday.

In a press conference over the two President Zelensky said it was very important for Kyiv and Western allies to stay united, estimating the next two months the situation would be difficult to follow with Moscow's attacks.

"Russia will prepare for retaliatory action in early summer or late May. If they can afford it. They will be prepared," President Zelensky said.

"I am sure, their attack which began on October 8 has not brought any results. We, in our part, will prepare our plans and follow up," he said.

Ukraine marked Russia's second anniversary of a massive invasion on Saturday, as Moscow troops moved along a broad frontline and problems that piled up ranging from a shortage of artillery shells to a lack of new labor.

He said he believed the US Congress would approve a large amount of new military and financial aid, revealing Ukraine needed the decision within a month.

Ukraine's war efforts depend on Western support, he said, adding that the European Union had only supplied 30 percent of the promised 1 million ammunition.

Russia is known to have gained the largest on the battlefield since May 2023 this month, when it seized the city of Avdivka, where Ukrainian troops withdrew from being surrounded.

"They know we need support within a month," he said, adding he felt "positive" about the long-range missile prospects supplied to Kyiv by his partners.

Regarding Ukraine's move on the battlefield, President Zelensky said Kyiv had clear plans to fight Russian troops, but he would not reveal details that could jeopardize the plan.

"There is a plan, the plan is clear, I can't tell the details yet," he said.

It is known that Kyiv forces carried out a retaliatory attack last year, but were unable to penetrate Russia's defensive line. He also said that the replacement of the armed forces commander in this month's dramatic military reshuffle was part of his military strategy that would remain secret.

Kyiv hopes to hold a summit in Switzerland this spring to discuss the vision of peace with allies, he said, adding a blueprint for peace would later be delivered to Russia.

"I hope that will happen this spring. We must not lose this diplomatic initiative," said President Zelesnky.