Zelensky has called on the West to have “1% of the courage” exhibited by Ukrainian soldiers fighting Russia as he begged for more tanks, planes and missiles.
A visibly angry Zelensky demanded that Western nations hand over military hardware that was “gathering dust” in stockpiles, saying Ukraine needed just 1% of NATO’s aircraft and 1% of its tanks.
NATO leaders have so far given Ukraine anti-tank and anti-craft missiles as well as small arms and protective equipment, but have not offered any heavy armor or planes. Zelensky accused the West of holding back on supplies because of “intimidation” from Moscow and suggested Russia is in charge of NATO.
The leader hailed his troops fighting in Mariupol as “heroes” before calling on the West to have 1% of his soldiers’ courage and provide Ukraine with hard armor.
“I’ve talked to the defenders of Mariupol today. I’m in constant contact with them. Their determination, heroism and firmness are astonishing,” Zelensky said in a video address early on Sunday (March 27).
Referring to NATO, Zelensky bristled: “If only those who have been thinking for 31 days on how to hand over dozens of jets and tanks had one per cent of their courage.”
In a late night address on Saturday (March 26), Zelensky said: “We need more ammunition. We’ve already been waiting 31 days. What is NATO doing?”
“Who is in charge of the Euro-Atlantic community? Is it really still Moscow, because of intimidation? We are asking for 1% of what NATO has, nothing more.”
