Zelenskyy's statement on the war: 'We must be ready'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. 

Speaking at a joint press conference held after the meeting, Zelenskyy said that they are expecting weapons shipments from their partners, primarily the United States, and that the Russian army is taking advantage of the current situation. Zelenskyy stated, "Therefore, rapid delivery means stability on the front line."

"WE MUST DISRUPT THE ATTACKS"

Zelenskyy said, "155mm artillery, long-range weapons, and air defense, especially Patriot systems. These are things that our partners possess and that must now work in Ukraine to destroy Russia's terrorist ambitions. The Russian army is preparing for new offensive actions. Together with our allies, we must disrupt Russian attacks," he said.

Pointing out that he does not see anything positive regarding the timely provision of support to the Ukrainian army, Zelenskyy expressed that this process needs to be accelerated.

"IT DESERVES IT"

Referring to the NATO summit to be held in Washington in July, Zelenskyy said, "This summit may or may not be a moment of strength for the alliance. It will be decided there whether an enemy of the alliance can veto the strengthening of NATO. This decision is being made regarding Ukraine. Ukraine deserves an invitation to join NATO."

Explaining that they discussed Stoltenberg's initiative to establish a special fund that would provide 100 billion euros in financial support for Ukraine's defense over 5 years, Zelenskyy stated that NATO countries have the capacity to implement this initiative.

Emphasizing that it is important for Ukraine to know the details regarding the creation of this fund, Zelenskyy noted that this initiative should not take into account the aid provided for in bilateral security guarantee agreements.