Zelenskyy Seeks U.S. Support After Russia Arms Depot Hit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for swift U.S. support after a massive Ukrainian drone attack ignited a Russian arms depot deep inside Russia, ahead of his upcoming visit to the White House.
Overnight, Ukraine launched more than 100 drones targeting Russia and occupied Crimea, according to Russian news reports and the Defense Ministry. The latest attack set an arms depot ablaze, located just kilometers from another depot struck by Ukrainian drones earlier in the week, which injured 13 people and caused extensive damage.
Zelenskyy is set to present his “victory plan” to President Joe Biden, outlining Ukraine’s need for long-range striking capabilities and other advanced weaponry. The plan is expected to form the foundation for any potential negotiations with Russia, as the war extends beyond 2 1/2 years following Moscow’s full-scale invasion.
“This will be the start and foundation for talking in any format with Russia,” Zelenskyy stated in a briefing, emphasizing that the plan will serve as a basis for discussions with any representatives from Russia.
The Ukrainian President also plans to present the plan to Vice President Kamala Harris, as well as her opponent in the upcoming election, former President Donald Trump.
Addressing concerns about U.S. reluctance to provide long-range missiles, Zelenskyy acknowledged fears of potential escalation from Moscow but stressed that delaying support would diminish the tactical value of such weaponry.
Meanwhile, Russian missile strikes on Kryvyi Rih, Zelenskyy’s hometown in central Ukraine, killed a 12-year-old boy and two elderly women, according to local Governor Serhii Lysak.
