Russia aims to isolate Odesa region from rest of Ukraine – Zelensky
He made the remarks while speaking with journalists in response to a question about whether he had raised the issue of recent strikes on the Odesa region in talks with the U.S. side, whether there is an understanding of Russia's strategy behind these attacks, and how they affect Ukraine's economy, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
"As for the Russians, they certainly want to cut Odesa and other cities off [from the rest of Ukraine] through infrastructure attacks. They are striking port infrastructure, because they are hitting and killing both people and the economy, reducing our export capacity via the maritime corridor. We are recovering, we are able to do it, and we are doing everything as quickly as possible. All of this is extremely important for us," he said.
Zelensky noted that a separate part of his conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump focused on Ukraine's urgent need for air defense systems, including NASAMS missiles.
"I do not want to speak publicly about our current situation, but I showed it to the American side. Secretary Rubio was there, as well as Secretary Hegseth, and I showed them everything. President Trump said he would help me. I am grateful to him for that. I separately handed over the relevant documents specifying the quantities we need and how. I said that we are ready to purchase all of this through the PURL program," he said.
Zelensky also thanked European partners for contributing to the PURL program.
"We have the ability to purchase air defense systems. I asked the president only that, if it is possible to help us, the sooner the better. Diplomacy is certainly the number one priority, but in parallel. […] Until we end the war, you see what Russia is doing, the strikes, their scale. That is why I strongly asked and focused the second part of our conversation specifically on air defense," Zelensky said.
On December 22, Zelensky said it was necessary to ensure the production of air defense systems and missiles for them in Ukraine.
