Zelensky considers leadership reshuffle and warns Europe of ill‑preparedness for war

In response to enquiries about these rumours, President Zelensky commented that it's a matter for those in Ukraine's leadership positions. He emphasised that a reset, or fresh start, is essential. He further clarified that by "reset" he's referring to a change in the entirety of the state leadership, not just the military.

"I am considering it, and it's true. But one mustn't think that replacing just one person will fix everything. It applies to the entire leadership team that operates the machinery of the state," Zelensky explained during his conversation with RAI, the Italian television network.

Zelensky stressed that he was referring to a serious matter that involved the entire state leadership, not just one individual. He assured his agreement with the necessity of achieving a peace process. However, he indicated that Russia doesn't seek peace as it would signify their defeat.

President Zelensky noted that some Ukrainians are becoming desensitised to the war. He criticised this attitude, branding it a severe mistake and unfair to those on the battlefront. He warned that the conflict might spread to you if you don’t support those fighting.

He stressed that the situation applies to Europe as well. "War could spread there because we're dealing with Putin. When war arrives, no one is ready," warned the Ukrainian leader.

He then stated, "European troops are ill-prepared. It will be a shock. Tens of thousands will face chaos due to migration processes."

Zelensky then posed the question: "What will Europe do if the Russian army invades? How will they defend themselves? Where's the guarantee that NATO will respond promptly?"

The President of Ukraine disagreed with the notion that the Ukrainian counteroffensive “failed”.

"I wouldn’t say that it failed. The naval operation yielded positive results. Russia lost many ships," he declared.

"However," he admitted, "for the land war, there is a deadlock; it's a fact because there have been shortcomings. There were delays in equipping, which means mistakes."

He spoke about almost two years of war: "We are not alone. We have also managed to unite world leaders."

He mentioned that about 26% of Ukrainian territory remains under Russian occupation. "But we see that the Russian army has not been able to make significant progress," he underlined.

When asked what Ukraine is like today, he responded: "It is different, it is closer to Europe. Today, Ukraine has a stronger army equipped with western gear."

"Sometimes we are a bit weary, sometimes arrogant, but we cannot let Russia win using its tools: information, diplomacy, money," commented Volodymyr Zelensky. "I am confident that we will prevail," he emphasised.

President Zelensky expressed his gratitude for the recent decision at the EU summit to grant his country 50 billion euros in aid.

"It's a significant assistance," he remarked, "without it, defence is impossible; without this money, we could lose what we have."

Addressing this year's presidential elections in the US, the Ukrainian leader stated: "I want to believe and hope that if there are changes in the United States, the policy will remain consistent."