Zelensky criticizes lack of arms from the West

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has once again lamented the lack of arms support from the West in the fight against the Russian invasion, reported dpa.

"Our partners have certain weapons that we need today in order to survive. And I simply don't understand why we don't get these weapons," said Zelensky, who was in Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine on Tuesday, in an interview with Germany's Bild newspaper and other Axel Springer media.

He had recently repeatedly called for more air defence systems and ammunition.

Zelensky visited the Kharkiv region, which has been hit by Russian attacks, to point out the damage to the energy infrastructure and problems with the power supply. According to the interview for Welt, Politico, Business Insider and Onet, he also made it clear that he continues to hope for Germany's long-range Taurus cruise missiles.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the lower house of parliament, the Bundestag, had rejected delivery of the Taurus weapons system.

"As far as I understand it, the Chancellor says that Germany is not a nuclear power and that it is the most powerful weapon system in Germany," said Zelensky, appearing to suggest that the German rejection of Taurus deliveries is connected with Russian President Vladimir Putin's nuclear threats.

Putin has been waging his war against Ukraine for more than two years. Zelensky continues to hope for billions of dollars in US aid for the war. Russia has considerably greater weapons stockpiles and more people to send to the front.

"But the united West has the modern weapons systems," said Zelensky. Russia could be defeated with them and Ukraine could win.

Zelensky also reportedly confirmed that Ukraine was planning a new counter-offensive to liberate its territories occupied by Russia. This would require more weapons, especially from the US.

The Ukrainian leader is also expecting former US president Donald Trump, who is seeking re-election later this year, to visit Ukraine soon. Trump has agreed to an invitation. However, no date has been set.

Zelensky had repeatedly stated that without help from the West, Ukraine would face defeat in the war. In the interview, he also said that he still wanted to stay in the country in the event of impending failure.

"I cannot leave my country. Under no circumstances," he said.