President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine warned in an interview that if the US does not provide promised military aid, Ukraine's forces will be forced to retreat "in small steps." The aid, which includes air defense systems, artillery rounds, and electronic warfare jammers, has been blocked in Congress by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy over domestic priorities.
Without this aid, Zelensky stated that Ukraine would be unable to defend against Russian attacks and would be forced to withdraw from the front lines, potentially putting major cities at risk.
US President
Joe Biden has urged Congress to approve the aid package, but McCarthy has delayed action.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged British Prime Minister
Boris Johnson to approve military aid during a phone call on Thursday.
Russian forces have captured the eastern town of Avdiivka and have made small gains in recent weeks, but the front lines have remained relatively stable for months.
Zelensky stated that Ukraine is producing its own weaponry and air defense systems to make up for missile shortages, but it is not sufficient.
Russia has escalated attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure in the past few weeks.
Ukrainian troops have been unable to advance, and Kyiv plans to attack targets in Russia, including oil refineries.
The US response to Ukrainian attacks has been negative, but Kyiv is using its own drones for attacks.
A person in charge of using drones for protecting Ukraine's energy system expressed frustration over the lack of air defense and the inability to respond if Russia attacks.
They questioned why Ukraine cannot retaliate if Russia continues its aggression, suggesting that Russia should learn to live without petrol, diesel, and electricity, and Ukraine will do the same when necessary.