Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Tuesday that he could mobilize 500,000 more troops to replenish kyiv’s forces against Russia, while insisting that he is “confident that the United States will not let us down” with additional aid.
Zelensky, 45, has asked his military to give him a more detailed plan on the “very delicate issue” of adding more troops before he grants their wish for more soldiers.
If the plan goes ahead, it would cost Ukraine $13.4 billion, the leader said.
The United States, which has already supplied Ukraine with tens of billions of dollars in cash and war equipment, would shell out another $61.4 billion under a bill currently blocked in Congress.
Ukraine had around 800,000 troops in October. Including the National Guard, that number increases to about 1 million.
Russia, which unleashed the war when it invaded its neighbor in February 2022, currently has around 1.32 million soldiers, after adding almost 170,000 this month.
Zelensky said the conflict could last until 2025, although “no one really has an answer” for its end.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is considering a military request to mobilize up to 500,000 more troops. SERGEY DOLZHENKO/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock If the plan goes ahead, it would cost Ukraine $13.4 billion, the leader said. REUTERS
“We have thoughts and ideas, and ideas can be far from reality,” he said.
He was quick to praise his forces for holding a tight line while Russian President Vladimir Putin’s army has failed to occupy more of Ukraine’s territory.
Additionally, Zelensky insisted that the financial support promised by the United States “will be fulfilled,” adding that he is also confident that the European Union will provide 50 billion euros, or about $55 billion.
“I am sure that the United States will not betray us, that what we agreed on in the United States will be fully fulfilled,” Zelensky said, according to Ukrinform.
Zelensky insisted that the support promised by the United States “will be fulfilled” and said he is confident that the EU will provide 50 billion euros, or about $55 billion. “I am sure that the United States will not betray us,” he said. He is confident that the EU will provide 50 billion euros, or about $55 billion. Yuri Gripas – Pool via CNP/MEGA
“We have achieved a victory with respect to the European Union,” he continued, referring to Ukraine’s possible accession to the EU. “As for the 50 billion euros, I am sure that we have already achieved it. It’s just a matter of time. I think the first 1.5 billion will be this week. And I am sure that the decision on 50 billion will be made in the near future, when [EU leaders] gather [for a summit].”
EU leaders are scheduled to meet at a special summit in February to review their budget for 2024 to 2027.
Zelensky’s comments about U.S. support come a week after he visited the United States to speak with President Biden and Republican senators, many of whom did not appear to support more aid.
The Ukrainian leader insisted that they “listened to each other” during their trip to DC.
With post cables
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Source: vtt.edu.vn