Zelensky on counteroffensive: We will start before we have F-16s

He said this in an interview with representatives of the Finnish, Swedish, Danish and Norwegian media, Ukrinform reports.

"It is very important not to give control in the sky to Russia, so the air coalition is very important. There must be the will of the leaders of the states that have modern aircraft. Of course, we will ask your countries for the appropriate aircraft, and we will ask very persistently and, frankly, in the near future," Zelensky said.

According to him, the provision of HIMARS, NASAMS, and Iris-T systems to Ukraine was a new chapter in the war unleashed by Russia, and now it's time for fighter jets.

He emphasized that there are states that have F-16s or other modern aircraft and want to help Ukraine, but "everything requires will."

"There is no need to be afraid of Russia. The worst thing happened: they started a full-scale war. I think this is the worst thing... A very important argument today is not to be afraid to end this, not to think about what will happen to Russia later, the main thing is to think about what will happen next with security in the world. Security in the world will be in good hands, because the world's second army has been shown that if you attack human rights in any country, the allies will put you in your place," Zelensky said.

At the same time, when asked whether the decision to provide Ukraine with aircraft is crucial for the launch of a counteroffensive, the president noted: "To be honest, it would help a lot. We understand that we will not delay this much, so we will start even before we have F-16s or other aircraft. To reassure Russia that we still need a few months to train on the aircraft, and only then will we start... No, it will not be like that. We will start and move forward."

At the same time, the head of state added that the decision on the aircraft should still be made in parallel.

As reported, at a press conference on April 28, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said that international partners would provide Ukraine with modern combat aircraft necessary for liberation from Russian invaders.

At the EU Foreign Affairs Council on April 24, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that providing Ukraine with modern combat aircraft would be the best investment in the long-term security of the European continent.