Ukraine Vows to Take Responsibility For Any Russian Missiles Intercepted By NATO

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an exclusive interview with Reuters in Kyiv on May 20, expressed frustration over the prolonged decision-making process of Western allies regarding military support for Ukraine.

The President emphasized the urgent need for increased direct involvement from partners in the war, particularly in intercepting Russian missiles over Ukrainian airspace and permitting the use of Western weaponry deeper in the Russian territory. He stressed the necessity to expedite aid and redefine “red lines” of engagement in the war.

Describing the current battlefield situation as “one of the most difficult” since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Zelenskyy highlighted recent incursions by Moscow’s troops into northeastern Ukraine, which have further strained Kyiv’s defenses.

“A very powerful wave (of fighting) is going on in Donbas… No-one even notices that there are actually more battles in the east of the country, specifically in the Donbas direction: Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, Chasiv Yar,” the President emphasized.

However, he stated that the situation north of Kharkiv was now “under control.”

Zelenskyy suggested that the armed forces of neighboring NATO countries could aid Ukraine by intercepting incoming Russian missiles over Ukrainian territory, bolstering Kyiv’s defense capabilities in the face of overwhelming odds.

“I immediately relayed the signal to Poland, other countries, and the United States; I personally informed the leaders of these countries. We are ready to sign all documents stating that if a Russian missile is shot down over Ukrainian territory, they will not be held responsible if it falls or explodes.”

With Russia deploying around 300 planes within Ukrainian borders, Zelenskyy underscored the urgent need for additional aircraft to effectively defend Ukrainian airspace, highlighting Ukraine’s anticipation of the delivery of F-16 fighter jets.

“But it is what it is: one big step forward, but before that two steps back. So we need to change the paradigm a little bit,” the President Zelenskyy concluded.