Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently addressed global leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, making a heartfelt plea to prevent Russia’s war in Ukraine from becoming a “frozen” conflict.
Defying Expectations and Seeking Progress
Zelensky stressed Ukraine’s resilience in repelling Moscow’s forces, exceeding expectations despite the ongoing conflict that began nearly two years ago.
Zelensky said that allies are aware of the shortage, their targets, and how they can achieve them, stating, “We know what’s needed to bring progress on the ground.”
Acknowledging the difficult questions surrounding the war’s end, Zelensky expressed his concerns about a “frozen conflict,” citing Russia’s past aggression after attempts to freeze the war in the Donbas.
Zelensky called for providing Ukraine with more weapons to achieve a “just and stable” peace, asserting, “Any frozen conflict will eventually reignite.”
A Year of Stalemate and Unmet Gains
Despite early successes like liberating Kherson and Kharkiv, Ukraine finds itself in a stalemate a year later, as noted by Gen. Valery Zaluzhny.
The anticipated gains have failed to materialize, prompting concerns about the need for technological improvements. Zaluzhny warned, “Without technological improvements, there would likely be no deep and beautiful breakthrough.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed optimism, saying that Russia has suffered significant military, economic, and diplomatic failures. Von der Leyen said, “We haven’t forgotten that when Russia invaded Ukraine, many feared that Kyiv would fall in just a few days.”
A Shift in Global Perception
Zelensky, expressing gratitude to allies, showing an understanding of the shift in global perception. He noted that the world once doubted Ukraine but has now stopped believing in Russia, emphasizing Putin’s isolation even from his allies in Pyongyang and Tehran.
Zelensky stated, “Even Putin’s current buddies in Pyongyang and Tehran” are exploiting him.
While thanking allies, Zelensky criticised their hesitation in supplying better weapons promptly. The West’s fear of escalating the war, he argued, denied Ukraine opportunities and emboldened Putin.
Zelensky stressed the importance of avoiding delays due to baseless threats, saying, “Every ‘Don’t escalate’ to us sounded like ‘You will prevail’ to Putin.”
Zelensky regretted the impact of the “Don’t escalate” concept, arguing that valuable time, experienced warriors since 2014, and opportunities were lost.
Allies Need to Learn From Mistakes
He urged allies not to repeat these mistakes, stating, “Because of ‘Don’t escalate,’ time was lost. And the lives of many of our most experienced warriors were lost. Some opportunities were lost.”
Calling for air superiority, Zelensky urged allies to invest in the confidence of the defender, shortening the war. “We must gain air superiority for Ukraine, just as we have gained superiority in the Black Sea. We can do it,” he said.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, speaking at Davos, said that continued support for Ukraine is crucial for making Putin relent, “The more credible we are in our military support, the more likely it is that the diplomats will succeed.”
The post Zelensky: Ukraine Aid Shortages Could Freeze the War first appeared on Edge Media.
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