Zelensky, speaking on a late-night conference call, said the meeting discussed the supply of modern weapons, adding that the intensity of attacks on the Russians must be stepped up. “(We agreed) that our forces have the strong capabilities to advance on the battlefield and inflict significant new casualties on the occupiers,” he said. Kyiv hopes that Western weapons, especially longer-range missiles like the US HIMARS that Ukraine has deployed in recent weeks, will allow it to launch a counterattack and recapture territory. Russia’s military is likely to begin some form of operational pause in the coming weeks, giving Kyiv a key opportunity to strike back, Britain’s spy chief said on Thursday. Zelensky said three people were killed when Russia shelled the eastern city of Kharkiv on Thursday. “Each of these Russian attacks is an argument for Ukraine to receive more HIMARS and other modern and effective weapons. Each of these attacks only strengthens our desire to defeat the invaders, and that will certainly happen.” (Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
