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| The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky |
Zelenksy warned that a ceasefire that would allow Russia to defend the territory of Ukraine it had seized since its invasion in February would only encourage a wider conflict. In his opinion, it would only give Moscow a chance to reload and rearm for the next round of attacks.
Zelensky also spoke about the high mobility artillery rocket system (HIMARS) supplied by the United States (US). He said, “West HIMARS supplies, while making up a material difference, are much lower than what Ukraine needs to turn things around.” "Freezing the conflict with the Russian Federation means a pause that gives the Russian Federation a break," the Wall Street Journal reported, citing Zelensky's comments.
"People believe that all territories should be liberated first, and then we can negotiate about what to do and how we can live in the centuries to come," he continued.
"The more urgent need is an air defense system that can prevent Russia from raining long-range missiles on peaceful cities hundreds of miles from the front line," Zelensky added.
Referring to the agreement signed with Russia to reopen grain exports, Zelensky said, "Diplomatic concessions to Moscow may stabilize the market somewhat, but will only provide a temporary respite and boomerang in the future."
Russia and Ukraine signed a landmark deal on Friday to reopen Ukraine's Black Sea ports for grain exports, raising hopes that the international food crisis exacerbated by the Russian invasion can be eased.