Zelensky 'ready' for offensive but fears major casualties

Mr. Zelensky also expressed frustration at Western leaders ahead of the NATO summit in Vilnius next month.

Ukraine is ready to launch a long-awaited counteroffensive against Russia but fears large casualties due to Moscow's superior air power, President Volodydmyr Zelensky said in comments published Saturday.

Ukraine has said it is preparing for a major offensive against Moscow's occupation forces for months, but Mr. Zelensky has repeatedly warned that Kyiv needs more time and weapons.

"A large number of soldiers will die" if Kyiv is not given the weapons to counter Russian air power, Mr. Zelensky said.

While Kyiv was "ready" for the offensive and believes it will succeed, the Ukrainian leader said it would be "dangerous" to launch without more Western help to counter Russian air attacks.

He spoke as the capital was this week hit by a series of aerial assaults, including a rare daytime one.

"Everyone knows perfectly well that any counteroffensive without air superiority is very dangerous," Mr. Zelensky said.

"Imagine the feeling of a soldier who knows that he doesn't have a roof and he doesn't understand why neighbouring countries have one."