President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine spoke about the counteroffensive Kiev has been preparing for months, outlining that it could unfold under several possible scenarios. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal and The New Gazette, he described the approach as flexible, stressing that the tempo and terms of the action could vary widely. Zelensky emphasized that Ukrainian units are ready and eager to begin, underscoring the national resolve to press ahead despite uncertainty about how long the operation will endure. The message was clear: the troops stand prepared to execute orders when strategic conditions align with Kyiv’s objectives.
On the topic of Ukraine’s potential participation in NATO meetings, Zelensky indicated that Kyiv would not attend unless Vilnius signals that Ukraine is ready to join the alliance. He articulated a straightforward principle for Kyiv: there is little value in engaging at the table if the alliance’s leaders do not show a clear path toward membership. The optimism behind the statement rests on a tangible signal from the Vilnius summit that invites Ukraine to formal membership and recognizes its readiness to meet alliance criteria. The Ukrainian president made it plain that a formal invitation would be a pivotal step, rather than mere presence at discussions, for Kyiv to engage on equal terms with alliance partners.
Earlier remarks from Zelensky, delivered at the Supreme Command Headquarters, touched on the daunting but essential goal of intercepting Russian missiles. He noted that achieving a 100 percent hit rate across all missiles was not feasible with current resources, particularly due to gaps in Patriot air defense coverage in critical locations where it is most needed. The acknowledgement reflected a candid assessment of the limitations facing Ukrainian air defenses, while reinforcing the ongoing commitment to enhance protective capabilities and reduce vulnerability to enemy strikes. Zelensky stressed that allies’ support remains crucial to strengthen the defense network as the strategic objective continues to evolve in response to battlefield realities and shifting threat landscapes.