Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticizes weapons delays, suggests some Western partners are ‘playing games’

• Zelenskyy suggested that some Western partners are “playing games” as there are delays in the delivery of weaponry.
• “I don’t want to believe that some partners of ours are playing games,” he said on Fox News.
• Zelenskyy said that Ukrainians would not accept “any outcome” of the conflict other than victory.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday said some Western partners were “playing games” with the delivery of weaponry, while also questioning if the current level of aid from the US and other nations would be sufficient in beating back against Russian military forces.

During an interview on Fox News, Zelenskyy told host Bret Baier through an interpreter that he had confidence in the West, and believed that Ukraine and US shared similar values. However, he said that such sentiments among the Ukrainian people could deteriorate if vital military equipment and other forms of aid fail to materialize in a timely manner.

“I believe that the United States, the people of the United States want that but if this process gets longer, continues to be delayed, if we can see that the process of transferring those weapons is getting slower, then people begin to ask the question, ‘Is it really true?'” Zelenskyy said during the interview. “Maybe there is some game behind it. I don’t want to believe that some partners of ours are playing games.”

Zelenskyy’s efforts to secure more aid for Ukraine comes as a contingent of countries have sent weaponry to the country in their fight against Russia. 

The European Union last month greenlit a $551 million package to aid in arming Ukrainian soldiers, and US President Joe Biden signed a bill authorizing $13.6 billion in funding for Ukraine, which helped send missiles and ammunition to the country, among other vital priorities.

On Friday, the US Department of Defense announced that it would send $300 million in additional aid to Ukraine, which would include laser-guided rocket systems, armored off-road vehicles, and small-to-large caliber ammunition.

During the interview, Zelenskyy continued his plea for additional defense mechanisms.

“We don’t want a million of quality bullet proof vests or some special brand helmets,” he said in what appeared to be a swipe at Germany’s offer to send 5,000 helmets to the country back in January.

He added: “Just give us missiles. Give us airplanes. You cannot give us F-18, F-19, or whatever you have. Give us the old Soviet planes. That’s all. Give them into my hands. Give me something to defend my country with, my state.”

Russian and Ukrainian negotiators have sat down for peace talks, and Zelenskyy this week floated adopting “neutral status” with Russia in order to stop the conflict. However, such an arrangement would require security guarantees from Ukraine.

Zelenskyy said that Ukrainians would not accept “any outcome” of the conflict not involving a defeat of Russian forces.

“A victory of truth means a victory for Ukraine and Ukrainians,” he said. “The question is when it will end. That is a deep question. It’s a painful question. Besides victory, the Ukrainian people will not accept any outcome.”