Zelensky prioritizes immediate US loan for military aid amidst global tensions

Ukraine is considering various options but will agree to the terms of a loan to finance military aid from the United States, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday evening during the nationwide information telethon "United News."

President Volodymyr Zelensky explained that Ukraine would accept the loan terms to finance military aid from the USA. Responding to whether Ukraine would agree to the United States' aid on credit, Zelensky said that many different options are currently being explored.

"I'll say more - if they offered Ukraine today: to provide the package on credit today or for free in a year, we would choose today. There's no other option. Our only choice is to survive and win. We're attempting this in various ways. Regarding the credit, it's vital: the sooner, the better," Zelensky highlighted.

He emphasised that support from the United States is crucial for Ukraine.

- We understand when the Russians might launch a counter-offensive. So, here's the answer to when it's critical to secure an ample amount of weapons. Without this funding, securing such quantities won't be possible. And I still believe we will manage to secure a positive vote result in the United States Congress - Zelensky stressed.

Ukraine regularly updates the American side on the front-line situation and the urgent needs of the defence forces. Macro-financial support from the United States will bolster the country's economy and the Ukrainian armed forces.

Unfortunately, the issue of Russia's war with Ukraine has become an internal political issue in the United States today, although it's about world security. And I just can't comprehend this immature approach. (...) Unfortunately, we are hostages to the fact that this is an electoral process in the United States. Nevertheless, I believe and hope that common sense will prevail, and we will receive the necessary assistance - the president concluded.

The country's leader was asked about the air defence systems his country requires. - I won't specify how many Patriot systems we have. I will only mention that to fully secure Ukraine, it is desirable for Ukraine to eventually have 25 Patriot systems, with 6-8 batteries each - he said.

He highlighted that the country requires so many systems because "the territory of Ukraine is vast". - I see no secrets here, as all our partners are well aware of it, even knowing the locations where appropriate systems should be installed and operated, he noted.

Zelensky added that Ukraine needs Patriot systems or their equivalents. - There are several equivalents globally that function very well. We have a systematic approach to this; it's fully calculated - he mentioned.

The president declared that the construction of defensive fortifications in all regions should be completed "within a few months", noting that in some areas, up to 98 percent of the work has already been completed.

The state leader expects that 80-100 countries will participate in the first inaugural Peace Summit in Switzerland, with the date to be determined in the coming days. "We believe it will be the most powerful Peace Summit. A very significant summit, at which we will meet with our partners and, as I think, will create the roadmap for further steps to end the war" - Zelensky shared.

Asked whether China plans to attend the summit, he mentioned that there is no specific list of countries yet.

"In the coming days (I hope not weeks) we will settle on a specific date for the first inaugural summit in Switzerland. We need to decide on this date in bilateral talks between me and the President of Switzerland. Then we will send out invitations in various formats to world leaders" - he clarified.

The president expressed support for training initiatives or border guard missions from foreign countries in Ukraine, but he cannot openly call for other countries to send troops to the war.

- I want to be clear about my stance. I can't publicly say today: "Yes, world armies, come to Ukraine and fight". Russia would exploit this "hype" (noise) globally, start warning other countries' societies that they shouldn't send their children to war, that it is not their war, and begin to destabilize the unity of European countries and NATO. So, for us, this is too risky - the president explained.

Zelensky noted that if he initiated such a call, Russia would do everything to prevent other countries from providing military assistance to his country. Societies would be divided; they would pressure their country's leaders and slow down shipments to Ukraine.

"If other countries initiate, let's be clear: we have several volunteer formations in which people of different nationalities come and fight for Ukraine. Ukraine will never oppose anyone wanting to support it" - the president underscored.