Zelensky expects the Russian offensive in early summer – the night update without photos Pope in Easter stress: what awaits the 87-year-old – and how he plans to keep it up

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expects an offensive by the Russian army at the beginning of the summer and is therefore once again asking the US and other Western allies for urgent military assistance. “We need help now,” he said in an interview with American broadcaster CBS published on Thursday. The Ukrainian army withstood the pressure of the attackers this winter, but after more than two years of defensive war it had reached the end of its capabilities.

He suspects that Russia will launch a new offensive in late May or June. And for this it is important to prepare in time. Ukraine is in urgent need of anti-aircraft systems and additional artillery from the American Patriot.

Zelensky warned of possible expansion plans by Russian President Vladimir Putin. ‘Right now it’s our turn. Then comes Kazakhstan, the Baltic states, Poland and Germany,” he warned. Putin’s missiles can reach any country at any time.

He complained about the lack of further US aid worth billions, which has been blocked for months by Republicans in the US House of Representatives. “Let’s face it: 80 or at least 75 percent of the money appropriated by Congress and the US government stays in the US.” Although Ukraine receives the weapons and ammunition, the money spent on them remains in the US. “Yes, it is a huge support and we need it,” the Ukrainian president emphasized.

A US military aid package worth $60 billion has been waiting for months. The Senate, controlled by Democrats, has already approved the package, but Republicans in the House of Representatives have been blocking the necessary vote for weeks.

New head of the Ukrainian foreign intelligence service

The Ukrainian foreign secret service now has new leadership. Zelensky appointed General Oleh Ivashchenko as the new head of foreign intelligence on Thursday. His predecessor Olexandr Litvinenko became the new Secretary of the National Security Council of Ukraine. “We need more information, more opportunities to influence,” Zelenskyj said in his daily video address on Thursday evening.

Russia spends “billions and billions” of dollars every year on operations in countries of interest to the country. “This influence works against our state and our defense in many ways,” Zelenskiy said. Since Ukraine alone cannot compete financially, Russia must be outdone “with courage, determination and ideas.” Above all, Ukraine’s foreign intelligence service should “become much more active.”

New Russian attacks in eastern Ukraine

Russian troops increased pressure on the defenders of eastern Ukraine on Thursday. The areas around Avdiivka and Bakhmut were the focus of heavy fighting, as the General Staff in Kiev announced in its daily situation report. A total of eleven advances of Russian soldiers against four cities were reported there. A total of 48 battles broke out along the entire front line, from the south to the eastern part of Ukraine. There were Russian air and artillery attacks near Kharkov. The information could not be independently verified.

“Pre-war”: the Polish head of government sees a new era coming

For Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Europe is already heading for a new war. “I know it sounds devastating, especially for the younger generation, but we have to get used to the fact that a new era has begun: the pre-war period. I am not exaggerating; “That becomes clearer every day,” says Tusk in an interview with “Welt” (Friday). “I don’t want to scare anyone, but war is no longer a concept of the past,” Tusk added. “It’s real and it started over two years ago.” A situation like this has not existed since 1945.

During his first time as Polish Prime Minister (2007-2014), no one except the Baltic states listened to his warnings. “When I said that Russia was a problem for Europe and not a partner, people shrugged: of course a Pole, a Russophobe.” Now he observes the changes in all European capitals “without satisfaction”. (saw/sda/dpa)