Zelensky Warns of Ukrainian Forces Retreat Without US Military Aid: Urgent Call for Support

Defense News ,Ukraine :-  On Friday ,President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concerns about Ukraine's ability to defend itself in the face of ongoing disputes over promised US military aid. In an interview published on Friday, he warned that without this support, Ukrainian forces would be forced to retreat, inch by inch, due to shortages in critical resources.

Zelensky emphasized the importance of US assistance, highlighting the absence of essential defensive capabilities such as air defense systems, Patriot missiles, electronic warfare jammers, and artillery rounds. Without these vital resources, he explained, Ukrainian forces would be compelled to withdraw gradually, risking territorial losses to Russian advances.

The Ukrainian president underscored the severity of the situation, citing shortages in munitions as a significant challenge. He noted that the scarcity of resources necessitated strategic adjustments, including shortening the frontline to mitigate vulnerabilities. Zelensky expressed concerns that without adequate support, Russian forces could penetrate deeper into Ukrainian territory, posing a threat to major urban centers.

Despite Democratic President Joe Biden's advocacy for the aid package, its approval has been delayed by disputes in the Republican-controlled US House of Representatives. Zelensky stressed the urgency of endorsing the aid package during a recent conversation with House Speaker Mike Johnson, emphasizing its critical importance for Ukraine's defense capabilities.

The ongoing conflict with Russian forces has already resulted in territorial losses for Ukraine, including the recent capture of the eastern town of Avdiivka. However, despite these setbacks, Zelensky maintained that Ukraine was resilient, employing domestically produced weaponry and air defense systems to compensate for shortages. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that these efforts were insufficient to counter the escalating threat posed by Russian aggression.

In response to intensified attacks on energy and infrastructure targets by Russian forces, Ukrainian troops have been unable to advance effectively. Zelensky revealed that Kyiv intended to retaliate by targeting strategic assets in Russia, including oil refineries. However, he lamented the lack of support from Washington in response to Ukrainian counterattacks, emphasizing the necessity of safeguarding Ukraine's energy infrastructure against Russian aggression.

Recent attacks on thermal and hydroelectric power plants in central and western Ukraine have exacerbated concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure. Zelensky condemned these acts of aggression, accusing Russia of seeking to inflict ecological disasters similar to the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant in the Kherson region. He warned of the potential consequences for both Ukraine and neighboring Moldova, underscoring the broader implications of Russian military actions.

The destruction of key energy facilities, including the DniproHES dam and the Zmiivska thermal plant, has further underscored the severity of the situation. Ukrainian officials described the recent wave of attacks as the most intense since the invasion in February 2022, highlighting the escalating conflict in the region.

Russian forces have also targeted infrastructure in various regions, including Kamianske and Dnipro, resulting in casualties and widespread damage. Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko denounced these attacks as deliberate attempts to disrupt electricity generation and distribution systems. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal condemned the assaults on energy facilities across multiple regions, emphasizing the need for international support to mitigate the impact of Russian aggression.

As a result of the attacks, power cuts have been implemented in several regions, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Major energy companies, such as DTEK, have reported significant damage to their facilities, raising concerns about the sustainability of Ukraine's energy infrastructure in the face of ongoing hostilities.

President Zelensky's plea for US military aid underscores the critical need for international support in Ukraine's ongoing struggle for survival. The escalation of Russian attacks on infrastructure highlights the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the humanitarian crisis and mitigate the impact of conflict on civilian populations. The international community must stand united in condemning acts of aggression and supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.