President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the Ukrainian Defense Forces have a clear action plan for the de-occupation of the territories next year, but will try to show results this year as well. The Head of State made this statement during an online participation in the Reuters NEXT conference.
"I can't share the details. Yes, we have a plan. We have very specific locations and very specific directions we're heading in the counteroffensive. I can't share all the details with you, but you know about some slow progress in the south of our country. We also have certain moves in the east. And some good steps in Kherson region," the President noted.
He noted that at the beginning of this war, many people did not believe that Ukraine could defeat the Russian army, but we did, and at times Ukrainian troops achieved fantastic success.
"Now there are certain difficulties when someone says that 'we are counting on a quick counteroffensive'. But we need to understand that at each stage, motivation, people and ammunition are crucial. And when we count on a certain amount of ammunition and receive, for example, half of it," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The Head of State expressed gratitude to the leaders of the United States and European countries for all the assistance provided to Ukraine. At the same time, he noted that the delay in the provision of weapons and ammunition had led to the loss of time that Russia had used to mine the frontline. So now Ukrainian soldiers in the south of the country are forced to move through minefields.
"I am confident in our people. From the first days of the war, we have been together – the people and the army. We have shown our unity to the whole world, and I think it is important not to lose it," the President added.
When asked how much territory Ukraine will be able to liberate from the occupiers next year, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said: "We will try to show results this year. This is very important for us because we are losing people every day. And this is not for some movies or shows. We do not need to amaze everyone in the world. We need it for ourselves so that we don't lose people every day. Because every day we are losing people."
"We have a plan for the next year. A very specific plan for the next year. But I will not disclose it," the Head of State added.
The President noted that the Ukrainian people are currently under attack by the aggressor country, so any compromise in the context of territorial concessions by our state is out of the question.
"If our territories become the subject of a compromise, you must understand what will happen in other regions, on other continents – everywhere. Then the territorial integrity of other countries, other nations, including Asia, Africa and other regions, will be called into question," Volodymyr Zelenskyy summarized.