Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared his perspective on threats to his life. He also commented on how his country’s counteroffensive has been slowed by formidable Russian defenses.
Ukrainian Government Would Survive Zelensky
Speaking with CNN on Monday, the Ukrainian leader donned a rather stoic stance toward life.
“You can put yourself in a cage like an animal and chain yourself there, constantly thinking that you are just about to get killed. Of course, my bodyguards should think how to prevent this from happening, and this is their task. I don’t think about it,” he explained.
He acknowledged the dangers, but said constant worry would immobilize him. Zelensky highlighted the importance of his bodyguards in ensuring his safety and shared how he finds solace in solitary moments, often with music or books.
Ukrainians and their allies have closely monitored Zelensky’s safety, and last year officials said there had been more than a dozen attempts on the former comedian’s life. Various assassination attempts on the Ukrainian president by Russian sabotage and intelligence teams have been reported since the invasion began.
While the risks are always present, Ukrainian officials have a plan in place to ensure continuity of government. The Ukrainian Constitution designates the chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, as the successor in case the president is unable to fulfill his duties.
Politico EU’s opinion editor, Jamie Dettmer, has suggested that Ukraine’s strong sense of nationhood and confident institutions would allow for collective government leadership in such a scenario. Dettmer cited Adrian Karatnycky, a senior fellow with the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, who argues that the unity and determination of the Ukrainian public, alongside well-honed administrative, military, and diplomatic mechanisms, are already proving robust during these challenging times.
Ukraine Wants More Weapons
Zelensky also told the U.S. broadcaster that some areas of Ukraine are unable to launch attacks due to a lack of “relevant weapons” required to counter the Russian forces effectively. He expressed gratitude to the U.S. and European leaders for their support but underscored the urgency of initiating the counteroffensive earlier.
“I wanted our counteroffensive to happen much earlier because delay gives the enemy more time to fortify their positions and lay more mines,” Zelensky said. “We need all the weapons and materiel for a swift and effective response.”
The counteroffensive goes on, and Ukrainian officials have said that the main push is yet to come.
Zelensky’s appeal for advanced weaponry, such as the U.S.-made long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems, and F-16 fighter jets, has been a recurring theme since Russia invaded in 2022. He argues that these weapons are vital to initiate the counteroffensive in certain directions where the military currently lacks the capability.
The Ukrainian president’s concerns are compounded by the recent armed rebellion in Russia led by the paramilitary Wagner Group. The short-lived uprising, launched by Yevgeny Prigozhin, posed a significant threat to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s authority. Zelensky explained his belief that Putin will now work to consolidate his power.
Georgia Gilholy is a journalist based in the United Kingdom who has been published in Newsweek, The Times of Israel, and the Spectator. Gilholy writes about international politics, culture, and education.
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