Zelensky Pledges Increase in Ukrainian-Made Weapons for Victory Against Russia
In a year-end address to the Ukrainian people, President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed to increase domestically produced weapons next year for the country’s war against Russia, as reported by “The Hill” newspaper.
Provoking Russia
Zelensky stated in his speech, “Next year, the enemy will feel the anger of local production. Our weapons, equipment, artillery, shells, drones, and naval ‘greetings’ to the enemy, not to mention at least a million Ukrainian FPV drones.”
He continued, “We will use all of this generously… on the ground, in the sky, and, of course, at sea.”
Zelensky praised the Ukrainian soldiers and medics, acknowledging everyone working and fighting daily to help end the war that has been ongoing for almost two years with Russia. He mentioned that Ukrainian pilots already “master” F-16 aircraft, and they will be “definitely” seen in the sky so that “our enemies can surely see our real anger.”
Massive Russian Attack
After 22 months since Russia invaded Ukraine, it recently executed what the Ukrainian Air Force commander described as “the largest air attack” in the war. The Ukrainian Air Force reported intercepting 114 out of 158 missiles and drones launched by Russia.
Zelensky, in response to the recent Russian airstrikes on Ukraine, pledged, saying, “Russia bears responsibility for every soul lost or life taken.”
Zelensky said in a video posted on the Telegram messaging app, “Russia launched nearly a hundred missiles of various types in its recent attack.”
He added, “At least 70 missiles were shot down. About 60 of them are in the Kyiv region. Kharkiv also suffered a strong blow.”
In his speech, Zelensky stated that the number of missiles and attacks launched by the “enemy” does not matter, as Ukrainians will “continue to rise.”
Russian Aid
Ukraine continued to urge the United States for additional military assistance, claiming it is essential for its defense in the war. Zelensky failed to convince Congress to pass the aid bill before both houses adjourned for the holiday break.
Congress is expected to resume negotiations on a package that combines assistance for the southern U.S. border and aid for Ukraine after lawmakers return to Washington.
Putin’s Speech
Russian President Vladimir Putin also delivered a New Year’s address. Although he did not mention Ukraine by name, the war was a major theme in his statements, pledging that Russia “will never retreat.”
Ceasefire
A recent report by The New York Times suggested that Putin may be open to a ceasefire as long as Russia can still claim victory. The strikes and year-end messages come from each leader at a time when the fighting has slowed to an almost complete halt before the onset of winter, with both sides still suffering the effects of a long and costly conflict.
