Zelensky stresses need for weapons system to win war in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized Sunday that his country needs a “crucial” weapons system to help win its war against Russia.

NBC host Kristen Welker asked Zelensky if Ukraine could win the war now that the House approved additional foreign aid Saturday, including $61 billion for his country. He said his country could win the war if it gets the weapons systems it needs, including long-range weapons and air defense systems.

“I think this support will really strengthen the armed forces of Ukraine. And we will have a chance for victory if Ukraine really gets the weapon system, which we need so much, the thousands of soldiers need so much. And this aid should not be just spread into layer all over, but it has to end up in tangible weapon systems,” Zelensky said through a translator on “Meet the Press.”

“Some really crucial weapon systems, which are hard to get. The long-range artillery. And I really appreciate that it mentions ATACMs, long-range weapons. And it’s important because we need long-range weapons to not lose people on the front line. Because we have casualties because we cannot reach that far. Our weapons are not that long-range. So, we need it, and air defense. This is crucial. These are the priorities now,” he continued.

He also said he could not give a timeline for the conflict without knowing when Ukraine will get the weapons systems. He noted that while allies have approved sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, the country still does not have them.

“Now we have all the chance to stabilize the situation and to overtake the initiative. And that’s why we need to actually have the weapon systems,” he said. “When we get it, when we have it in our arms, then we do have the chance to take this initiative and to move ahead and to protect Ukraine. But giving U.S. specific timeline of the war, well, it depends on how soon we get this aid.”