Ukraine responds to the enemy as Russia attacks our energy and civilian infrastructure. There is one fundamental difference: Ukraine never attacks civilians. Russia, on the other hand, attacks hospitals, attacks kindergartens, and especially attacks energy infrastructure because it wants to fight the winter [doprowadzić do tego]for our citizens to live in terrible conditions. Of course, our armed forces are responding to these attacks. And we will continue them with Ukrainian weapons. Unfortunately, this is not enough because Russia is a large country.
WELT: The necessary weapons – missiles and cruise missiles – to attack Russian drone and missile facilities are still missing. So far there is none American tomahawks or German Taurus cruise missiles. Do you still hope for deliveries of these weapons from the West?
Of course. I remember almost always when we started [rozmowy] with our partners, they told us: “It's difficult” or “It's impossible.” And then, over time, we found solutions – and we thank our partners, our friends, who support us throughout the large-scale Russian invasion. Yes, I hope that eventually our arguments will prevail and we will start receiving more much-needed weapons to attack military and energy targets.
A bombed street in the Ukrainian city of Myrnohrad on the front line in Pokrovsk, June 11, 2025.Maria Senovilla / PAP
WELT: On the front, Russia continues to gain territory the size of Munich every month. Ukrainian strongholds, especially in the east of the country, are currently under strong pressure. Can you confirm reports that Pokrovsk is under Russian control?
No, no, that's not true. This is Russian propaganda. We've been hearing it for over a year now. People need to analyze this information and understand that Russians are some of the biggest liars in the world. The Russian propaganda machine operates continuously. The situation on the front is difficult, but Russia is not achieving any significant successes. Yes, they are moving forward, not caring about the number of victims. In Russia, a person's life costs nothing. I'm not sure Putin even realizes how many of his people have died. I am sure that the Russian population does not know the real numbers of victims and is ready to sacrifice even more.
WELT: Does this mean that you will continue to fight for Pokrovsk? Don't you see the risk of Ukrainian soldiers being surrounded there?
From what I know from our military, no [widzimy]. This is a very difficult situation. Of course, our heroes understand the strategic importance of these front lines. And of course, President Zelensky and I know this too. A week ago we visited these areas and met with brigade commanders. We met with the commander-in-chief, the general [Ołeksandrem] Syrski. The president is very personally involved in all these issues. He knows the names of all brigade commanders. And we have over 100 of them. Of course, we will see how the situation develops, but as far as I know, yes, we maintain this position, we are tough.
WELT: Currently, the main problem of the Ukrainian army is the lack of soldiers on the front. Some in the West were surprised by a change in law a few months ago that saw the Ukrainian government allow men aged 18 to 22 to leave the country. Why did you do this?
We do not have mandatory mobilization for this age group. The government received many requests [o możliwość wyjazdu]because many of these young people study abroad, and decided to offer this opportunity.
WELT: [Mer Kijowa] Vitali Klitschko was in Berlin this week and in an interview with the editor-in-chief of “Die Welt”, Jan Philipp Burgard, he said that Ukraine should lower the age of mobilization to 22 or 23. Are you planning such a step?
I have known Vitali Klitschko for many years. He is a great person, a great athlete, the mayor of Kiev, but he is not the defense minister. It's easy to say something that some people might like, but you have to look at the bigger picture. I cannot confirm that there is current discussion on this topic. Our problem is not a lack of people. Our problem is the lack of what is most important – weapons and ammunition.
WELT: Relations with the US remain important for Ukraine's survival. There are reports that President Trump put pressure in the White House on President Zelensky to accept Russia's terms.
That's not true. I can say that the relationship between President Zelensky and President Trump is very good. They speak one language. They are partners and talk like friends. This does not mean that they agree on all issues, but they have the opportunity to have a very honest and friendly discussion on all topics. I'm sure President Trump is a special person. He is a unique leader in the world who can really end this war, because Russia is afraid of him, because Putin is afraid of him.
The article continues below the video
WELT: The question remains how this war can end. President Zelensky has already expressed his readiness to freeze the war on the current front lines – in line with President Trump's proposal. Do you see any signs on the Russian side that this war will end in the near future?
I don't see it at the moment. Russia will only be ready for real negotiations if it finds itself in a disadvantageous situation. We must stay on the current line of conflict and conclude a truce. Of course, we will never accept Ukraine's neutrality. We will also not accept the restriction [liczebności] our armed forces. This is one of our most important security guarantees.
We need [też] strong, legally binding security guarantees from our partners. Then we have to bring back all our people – prisoners of war, civilians, Ukrainian children. We must receive compensation, reparations and rebuild our country. We must become a member of the European Union. Of course, we are realists, we understand that we cannot regain all the territories at once, but we will never recognize the occupied areas.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
