Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday that it would be difficult to fight Russia if Kyiv does not receive long-range weapons, arguing that the decision to transfer them “depends solely” on the United States.
“Without long-range weapons, it is difficult to carry out not only offensive tasks, but also, frankly, defensive operations. We are discussing this issue with the United States, this is an issue that depends on them at the moment,” said Zelensky, who arrived in Prague on Thursday evening.
For the Ukrainian president, the supply of long-range weapons to Ukraine “depends only” on Washington’s decision.
During a visit to Prague, Zelensky received assurances that the Czech government would provide Ukraine with more attack helicopters, artillery ammunition, and the Czech Republic’s contribution to training Ukrainian F-16 fighter pilots to defend against a Russian invasion.
The guarantee was given by Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala after a meeting with Zelensky, who arrived in Prague on Thursday evening, after a surprise visit to Bulgaria and ahead of a trip to Turkey this Friday.
In a Twitter post, Fiala said that the Czech Republic, one of Ukraine’s main military aid providers, will provide flight simulators so that Ukrainian pilots can learn to fly the F-16 also on Ukrainian soil.
The head of the Czech government recalled that since the beginning of the Russian invasion, on February 24, 2022, Prague has sent four million artillery shells of medium and large caliber to Ukraine.
In the message, Fiala said that the President of Ukraine appreciates the support of the Czech Republic and is ready to support Czech companies involved in reconstruction projects in Ukraine.
Upon arrival in Prague, Zelensky thanked the Czechs for their support, both material and moral, and recalled that the country had taken in many refugees fleeing Russian aggression.
He also called for unity and courage and acknowledged that it would be difficult to gain unanimous support for his desire to join Euro-Atlantic structures such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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