President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that the Armed Forces of Ukraine needed more weapons, planes and armored vehicles to liberate Ukrainian cities, including Mariupol, from the Russian occupiers.
He stated this in a video message.
Zelenskyy noted that the defenders were beating the occupiers "with wisdom and well-thought-out tactics inaccessible to the Russian military." But when it comes to weapons, we still depend on supplies, on our partners.
"Unfortunately, we do not get as many weapons as we need to end this war as soon as possible. To destroy the enemy on our land. And to fulfill the tasks that are obvious to each of us. In particular - to break the blockade of Mariupol," - he said.
The President stressed that we could do it if we received planes, heavy armored vehicles, and necessary artillery. But for now, we still have to "negotiate and persuade."
"I am confident that we will get almost everything we need. But we are not only losing time. We are losing the lives of Ukrainians. We can't bring back these lives. And this is on those who still keep the weapons Ukraine needs in warehouses. This responsibility will remain forever in history. Just like our gratitude will stay in history. Gratitude to those states and those politicians who really helped. Who did not hesitate. Who did not bargain when lives depended on their help," said Zelenskyy.
The United States and Ukraine are holding intensive consultations on a new military assistance package that will take into account the specifics of hostilities in eastern and southern Ukraine, where the landscape differs from the previous main war front.
The U.S. is also in talks with allies in Europe to determine what additional long-range air defense systems, tanks, armored vehicles and artillery they can provide to Ukraine from their reserves.
On April 11, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also announced an increase in the European Union's arms supply to Ukraine to counter Russian aggression.