【Zelenskyy: Putin Has No Intention of Ending the War, Is Expanding Attacks and Counting on a Winter Offensive】

On August 23, Zelenskyy addressed numerous sensitive questions during a press briefing. He later detailed the key points of his speech in a post on his Telegram channel. The full text is as follows:

First, regarding Russia’s ballistic missile production capacity and Ukraine’s countermeasures

Russia can produce up to 1,300 ballistic missiles annually, with current inventory ranging between 600 and 630 missiles. We have a general understanding of Russia’s planned production targets from now until the end of this winter. Russia aims to achieve a monthly output of 100 ballistic missiles, though it has not yet reached that level. We are taking measures to weaken Russia’s defense industry—by targeting military facilities and implementing various sanctions related to anti-ballistic defense.

Currently, our interception of cruise missiles has been highly effective: air force aircraft, newly deployed IRIS-T air defense systems, continuous delivery of ammunition for intercepting Russian cruise missiles, and Patriot systems capable of engaging cruise targets are all actively deployed. Multiple systems working in coordination have significantly enhanced our ability to intercept cruise missiles. However, intercepting ballistic missiles presents a completely different challenge. We are doing everything possible to prevent Russia from achieving its annual goal of producing 1,300 missiles and to reduce its missile stockpile.

I originally hoped to secure 300 Patriot air defense missiles through winter aid packages, but Ukraine’s Air Force requires 360. Given that the annual production capacity of Patriot missiles is only 600, supplying 360 missiles is no easy task. We are currently negotiating with multiple countries to secure additional supply channels. I sincerely hope to obtain a small portion—such as 5% or 10%—from the existing U.S. stockpile. Ukraine is willing to pay for these missiles, which would allow the United States to replenish its own reserves while ensuring Ukraine can withstand the winter safely.

Second, regarding the shortfall in Ukraine’s defense budget

In my view, we currently face two core challenges: the threat posed by Russian ballistic missiles and the significant funding gap in Ukraine’s defense budget.

We are counting on the EU to provide 30 billion euros in aid, but disbursement of this amount depends on the passage and implementation of relevant legislation. All members of parliament—including opposition parties—must cooperate in advancing the legislative process. This funding is not the property of any single political party; it is an essential necessity for the nation’s entire defense system.

Beyond this, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense currently faces a budget deficit of $27 billion. At the beginning of the year, the ministry restructured its financial planning by reallocating funds from the second half of the year to support drone production and other frontline urgent expenditures. Now entering the second half of the year, this funding gap urgently needs to be filled, requiring additional financing.

This $27 billion shortfall breaks down as follows: between $8 billion and $10 billion must be secured in advance to ensure normal supply of weapons and military equipment starting January 2027; the remaining nearly $20 billion is needed for soldiers’ salaries, compensation for families of fallen fighters, and other military expenses—overall, the total financial demand is substantial.

I am currently in negotiations with leaders of France and Germany to push forward the early implementation of the second tranche of EU-assistance funds for Ukraine—a task of immense difficulty.

Third, regarding strikes on Wildberries and Russian losses

Putin has no intention of ending the war; instead, he continues to expand the scale of attacks, pinning hopes on a winter offensive. Russian forces persistently target Ukrainian civilian enterprises, logistics infrastructure, and Ukrposhta (Ukraine Post), having frequently set fire to new Ukrposhta logistics hubs since 2022.

Why did Ukrainian forces strike Russia’s Wildberries warehousing and logistics network? Because this company not only supplies military materials to the Russian armed forces but also generates massive fiscal revenue for Russia. Our operation was carefully planned. It was precisely Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s logistics infrastructure that prompted Ukraine to respond in kind by targeting critical domestic logistics hubs within Russia. When conducting the strike, Ukrainian forces thoroughly assessed the scale of damage inflicted on Russia: just this single round of targeting Wildberries Group caused direct economic losses of approximately 1 trillion rubles; when factoring in corporate debt, losses suffered by upstream and downstream companies, and costs associated with rebuilding factories and logistics systems, the total loss reaches 3 trillion rubles.

Fourth, over 60% of Russians Hope for a Ceasefire

We continue to monitor the social impact of Ukrainian long-range strikes within Russia. A large number of Russian citizens are increasingly eager for the war to end, with their demands being simple: “Just end the fighting.” According to our statistics, over 60% of Russians now wish for a ceasefire, and anti-war sentiment at home is growing clearly visible. Meanwhile, public support for Putin’s administration has sharply declined, and the electoral base of United Russia has weakened.

Previously, Russia revoked the registration of Yabloko Party’s candidacy, initially estimating its support at only 3% to 4%. However, subsequent opinion polls showed its support surged to 11%–12% and continued rising. This move by the Kremlin was purely aimed at eliminating any alternative political forces opposing the war or the current regime.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1874308297836555/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.