President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine wants to save as many lives as possible during the de-occupation of russian-occupied territories, so we will wait for appropriate weapons.
He stated this during a briefing with journalists
following a meeting with the President of Slovakia Zuzana Chaputova in Kyiv.
According to the President, the situation in the east of our country is currently difficult due to the lack of necessary weapons.
"In the east, it is difficult for us due to the lack of appropriate weapons... If our steps, our de-occupation operations in one or another region, will be associated with tens of thousands of our people who died, then we will wait for the appropriate weapons to save on – to the maximum of our people… They are the ones who are de-occupying the territory. Because these territories without living Ukrainians are not a priority for us, to be honest. Therefore, I believe that we should first of all think about our people who are able to repel all russian plans," Zelenskyy said.
He stressed that Ukraine plans to de-occupy the entire territory that belongs to it according to international law.
"This is our plan. As for [russia’s] plans June 1 or July 1, or August 1 - although not September 1 yet, maybe on September 1 they will have other plans ... We do not care what plans russia has", - added Zelenskyy.
According to the General Staff of Ukrainian Armed Forces, the russian invaders carry out active assault actions in the Sievierodonetsk and Bakhmut directions.
Authorities of the Luhansk region say the russians are planning a military operation to clear the area around Sievierodonetsk.