Zelensky argues that Ukraine must “prepare” for winter attacks

“DWe must prepare for the possibility of the enemy increasing the number of drone or missile attacks against our infrastructures”, said Zelensky, in his daily speech, quoted by Agence France Presse.

The Ukrainian head of state considers that “all attention must focus on defense (…) on everything Ukraine can do to help the people get through the winter”.

Last year, the Russian army’s systematic bombing of the Ukrainian energy grid deprived thousands of people of heat and electricity during long periods of harsh winter weather.

The Ukrainian government assured that it was doing everything to protect essential infrastructure.

“The Ukrainian air shield is stronger than last year,” assured Zelensky.

Ukraine received important air defense systems from Western allies, including Patriot equipment manufactured in the United States.

“Unfortunately, [o escudo aéreo] it still does not protect the entire territory. We are striving to improve it even further”, added the Ukrainian president, calling on the international community to echo this call.

A Ukrainian delegation, led by Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, and including Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, arrived in the United States today to discuss cooperation and support for Ukraine.

“I will have meetings at the White House and Congress, with think tanks and representatives of civil society organizations,” Yermak wrote on the instant messaging service Telegram, cited by Agence France Presse.

The delegation will discuss “the President’s proposals for peace, strengthening Ukraine’s defense, general deepening of cooperation and many other important issues,” he added.

The Russian military offensive in Ukraine, launched on February 24 last year, plunged Europe into what is considered the most serious security crisis since the Second World War (1939-1945).

Ukraine’s Western allies have supplied weapons to Kyiv and approved successive sanctions packages against Russian interests to try to reduce Moscow’s ability to finance the war.

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