Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the war with Russia is entering a new phase, and the winter season is expected to complicate the fighting after a counteroffensive in the summer failed to achieve the desired results due to a persistent shortage of weapons and ground forces.

With winter approaching to cover Ukraine in wartime once again, military leaders must face new but familiar challenges as the conflict nears the end of its second year: freezing temperatures and barren fields leaving soldiers exposed. There is also a renewed threat of extensive Russian air attacks on cities targeting energy infrastructure and civilians.

On November 25, Moscow launched its most comprehensive drone attack of the war that began in February 2022, targeting most of the 75 Iranian-made "Shahed" drones towards Kyiv, a worrying precedent for the coming months.

Despite setbacks, Zelensky remained optimistic in an exclusive interview on Thursday with The Associated Press in Kharkiv, northeastern Ukraine.

Here are some highlights from the interview:

Modest Gains from This Year’s Counteroffensive

The anticipated counteroffensive, backed by tens of billions of dollars in Western military aid, including heavy weapons, did not achieve the expected breakthroughs. Now, some Ukrainian officials are worried about whether further aid will be as generous, saying, "We wanted faster results, and from this perspective, unfortunately, we did not achieve the desired results. This is a fact."

But he praised the efforts of the Ukrainian forces, saying, "Look, we are not retreating, I am satisfied. We are fighting with the second [best] army in the world, I am satisfied," referring to the Russian army. However, he added: "We are losing people, and I am not satisfied."

The fixed front lines have not pressured Ukraine’s allies to negotiate a peace deal with Russia, saying, "I don't feel that yet," although he added, "Some voices are always heard."

He pointed out that Ukraine wants to “push a peace formula and involve as many countries in the world as possible, so they can politically isolate Russia.”

Reliance on Foreign-Made Weapons

Zelensky said ammunition stocks are running low, and Ukraine has not received all the weapons it needs from allies to repel Russia.

When he last met with U.S. President Joe Biden, members of Congress, and other senior officials, he made an urgent appeal: Grant Ukraine cheap loans and licenses to manufacture American weapons.

He told them, "Give us these opportunities, and we will build." “No matter the effort and time it takes, we will do it, and we will do it very quickly.”

Ukraine has sought opportunities from the United States and European countries to enhance its local arms capabilities.

The United States detailed its contributions regarding weapons and military training in a statement issued on November 20, noting that it has provided about $44.2 billion in military aid since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Canada pledged to provide over $1.5 billion in military aid.

2024 U.S. Elections

The United States will hold its presidential elections on November 5, 2024, with 33 Senate seats and all 435 House of Representatives seats also contested.

A recent poll conducted by The Associated Press indicated that nearly half of Americans believe too much is being spent on Ukraine. An increasing number of Republicans do not support sending more aid, and it is unclear whether Congress will approve the White House’s request for additional aid or when.

When asked about this, Zelensky answered frankly: "The choice of Americans is the choice of Americans."

Regarding the White House, Biden has unabashedly supported Ukraine, but likely Republican candidate Donald Trump once threatened to withdraw significant aid to Ukraine when he was president, which Democrats described as personal gain, partly the subject of his first impeachment.

Zelensky said that by helping Ukraine, Americans are helping themselves too.

He said, "In Ukraine’s case, if resilience fails today due to lack of aid, lack of weapons, and funding, it will likely mean Russia will invade NATO countries." “And then American children will fight.”

War Between Israel and Hamas

Zelensky remains concerned that turmoil in the Middle East threatens to divert global attention and resources from Ukraine’s ability to defend itself.

He said, "We can already see the consequences of the international community shifting [its attention] due to the tragedy in the Middle East." “Only the blind do not realize this.”

In a clear attempt to calm these fears, U.S. and European officials have continued visiting Kyiv since the October 7 attacks in Israel.

He said Ukrainians understand "that we also need to fight to attract attention to the total war." “We must not let people forget the war here.”

Positive Takeaways from Recent Months

Zelensky said Ukraine has managed to make additional territorial gains against a better-armed and fortified enemy.

He added that the power of the Russian Black Sea fleet has also diminished after Ukrainian attacks that penetrated air defenses and struck its headquarters in the occupied Crimean Peninsula.

The temporary grain corridor established by Kyiv after Russia pulled out of the wartime agreement to ensure safe exports is still operational.

 Comment on Ukrainian Elections

He added that the war has made it impossible to hold the presidential elections scheduled in March under the constitution.

With a budget expecting to spend 22% of the country’s GDP on defense and national security, Ukraine’s economy is being restructured around a seemingly endless war, just as it happens in the daily lives of its citizens.

Although Zelensky said he is ready to hold elections, most Ukrainians are not, he said, believing such a vote is “dangerous and meaningless” amid the intensifying war.

In Russia, Putin is likely to run for another six-year term next year. Zelensky said the vote would not be democratic and that the world should describe the ballot as illegitimate.