Zelensky calls on U.S. to provide Ukraine with long-range capabilities

Zelensky addressed the topic, speaking via video conference at the 14th annual Aspen Security Forum, Ukrinform reports, referring to the President’s Office.

"I would really draw attention to long-range armaments. Again, we have been waiting for this for quite some time. Let us still have hope that the United States will resolve the matter. At the moment, the United States leads with defense assistance," Zelensky said, acknowledging the U.S. role in helping his country fight off Russian aggression.

He added that Ukraine aspires to match Russia in terms of artillery, and better yet, surpass the enemy.

"When fighting on the battlefield for our land against Russia, the key thing is our motivation. Still, it would be really good for us to at least be on par with the enemy in terms of artillery, and preferably better," the president remarked.

The head of state also noted that Russia still maintains aerial superiority. According to Zelensky, it is important for Ukraine to get modern aircraft in the required quantity.

"We are in short supply of not just warplanes. It’s not just quantity but quality. We are very thankful for already going through with the matter of pilot training. We will start it in August. It is very important. But besides them being trained, it would be nice to have some confidence and assurance that we will have these planes in the appropriate quantity," he said.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, in an interview with RBC-Ukraine, the spokesman for the Air Force Command, Yuriy Ihnat, said F-16 fighter jets could protect Ukrainian skies from Russian aircraft, and could also shoot down enemy missiles and drones. He also announced that the training of Ukrainian war pilots on F-16s would kick off late August.