On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed that Ukraine’s success in the war against Russian invaders relies on support from the Western countries. He also shared his optimistic outlook on the possibility of receiving long-range missiles from allies and partners in Kyiv.

At a press conference in Kyiv, Zelenskyy stated that he was confident the U.S. Congress would provide significant military and financial aid and emphasized the urgency of the decision being made within the next month.

During an interview with VOA, Zelenskyy was questioned regarding Ukraine’s potential invitation to attend a scheduled NATO summit in Washington in July.

Based on my understanding, all [NATO] allies are in favor of extending an invitation to Ukraine. It is also widely accepted that Ukraine will ultimately become a member of NATO in the future. The decision to extend the invitation ultimately rests with the U.S. and Germany, which is a recognized fact.

The United States and Germany are leading providers of both military and economic assistance to Ukraine. While both nations have expressed their backing of Ukraine’s potential NATO membership, authorities have stated that the current timing is not suitable.

In February, during a gathering of NATO defense ministers in Brussels, the United States’ ambassador to NATO, Julianne Smith, stated that she anticipates the alliance will not extend a membership invitation to Ukraine at the upcoming summit in July.

“I am not anticipating an invitation from the alliance at this time,” stated Smith on February 13. “However, I do believe that the allies will indicate their continued support for Ukraine and our efforts to bring us closer to full membership through concrete actions.”

Zelenskyy was asked by Voice of America on Sunday if there would be any threats to global security if Ukraine does not receive an invitation to join the 31-nation bloc this summer.

“What potential negative outcomes may arise? I am unable to determine. I do not perceive any potential negative outcomes in extending an invitation to Ukraine to join NATO…. My belief is that the potential risks stem from President Putin’s inconsistent behavior and reactions. In my view, the act of extending an invitation does not pose any risks.”

Peace summit

Zelenskyy is hopeful that an upcoming peace summit organized by Switzerland will discuss Kyiv’s plan for resolving the two-year conflict with Russia. He also anticipates that the details of the peace proposal will be shared with Russia.

“I am optimistic that it will happen in the upcoming spring. It is crucial that we do not miss this opportunity for diplomatic progress,” he informed the press. “Our proposed platform would allow Putin to acknowledge his defeat in the war and recognize it as a grave mistake.”

So far, the Kremlin has not reacted to Zelenskyy’s comments but in the past, it has called Kyiv’s peace plan absurd, because it excluded Russia and said there is no current basis for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.

Ukraine’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, has suggested the idea of inviting Russia to a potential summit with foreign partners to negotiate the end of Moscow’s aggression against Kyiv on terms set by Ukraine.

Zelenskyy’s proposed peace solution involves the re-establishment of Ukraine’s full control over its territory and the complete removal of Russian military forces.

Zelenskyy made public for the first time that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers lost their lives during the invasion. He clarified that the number was not 300,000 or 150,000, but still a significant loss for the nation.

He cautioned that Russia is planning to launch counterattack operations in the beginning of summer, or at the conclusion of May if possible, and emphasized the need for Ukraine to be prepared.

Zelenskyy stated that his nation is on the cusp of a significant change.

“In the coming year, we will face multiple elections, distractions, and various challenges both externally and internally,” he stated. “The way in which we ultimately end the war will likely be influenced by events of this particular year. Currently, our unity is being put to the test, and if we succumb to division, whether from external or internal factors, it will be our weakest moment. However, this has yet to occur.”

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The military forces of Ukraine have suffered a setback in their battle.

Despite initial victories in repelling the Russian army, Ukraine has encountered challenges on the eastern front and ultimately had to surrender the crucial city of Avdiivka.

Complaints from Ukrainian military leaders indicate deficiencies in weaponry and manpower.

During a forum in Kyiv called “Ukraine. Year 2024,” Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov stated on Sunday that, currently, making a commitment does not necessarily lead to actual delivery. The forum was held to commemorate the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion.

Umerov stated that every postponed delivery of assistance resulted in casualties for Ukrainian soldiers, emphasizing Russia’s strong military presence and control of the air.

Umerov explained that the enemy’s economy is close to $2 trillion and they allocate around 15% of their official and nonofficial budget towards war efforts, equaling over $100 billion per year. He also stated that delays in receiving support result in casualties and loss of land.

The current administration of Biden is requesting approximately $61 billion in assistance for Ukraine, but it is at a standstill in the U.S. House of Representatives where Republicans hold the majority.

During an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan stated his belief that Ukraine has the capability to emerge victorious in this conflict if given the necessary resources. He called on the U.S. House of Representatives to take action and approve the Ukraine aid package, which had already been passed with strong bipartisan support in the Senate.

According to Sullivan, the responsibility falls on House Speaker Mike Johnson to bridge the political divide within his caucus and ultimately bring the vote to the floor.

Leaders from Europe gather in Paris.

France revealed on Sunday that approximately 20 leaders from Europe will convene in Paris on Monday to convey a united message to Putin regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The aim is to counter the narrative put forth by the Kremlin that Russia is on track to emerge victorious in this three-year-long war.

A presidential adviser stated during a briefing with reporters that we aim to send a strong message to Putin that he will not succeed in Ukraine.

The consultant, on the other hand, stated that the upcoming meeting will not be used as an opportunity to reveal any new weapons being sent to Ukraine. Instead, it will be focused on brainstorming ways to improve effectiveness on the field, and enhancing coordination between Ukraine and its allies.

French President Emmanuel Macron has invited his European counterparts to the Elysee Palace for a working meeting announced at short notice after, what his advisers say, was an escalation in Russian aggression over the past few weeks.

Jim O’Brien, U.S. assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs, will represent the United States while Defense Minister Bill Blair will represent Canada in the upcoming event.

This report includes contributions from Myroslava Gongadze, the Bureau chief for Eastern Europe. Additional information was obtained from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, and Reuters.

Source: voanews.com