Ukrainian President Zelenskiy Requests Long-Range Weapons Amid Russia Ceasefire Rejection

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy revealed that last year he asked U.S. President Donald Trump for long-range weapons in case Russia continued to reject a ceasefire in the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. This request was part of a broader 'victory plan' Zelenskiy presented to senior officials in the Biden administration and to Trump during his campaign for another term. Zelenskiy made these disclosures during a joint press briefing in Kyiv with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, emphasizing Ukraine's need for stronger military support amid persistent Russian aggression. Additionally, Zelenskiy called for an intensified international response to a suspected Russian drone incursion into Poland, highlighting the strategic challenges posed by drones and urging allied nations to rethink their air defense strategies. The Ukrainian leader stressed the economic imbalance of countering inexpensive drones with costly missile systems and underscored the importance of collaborative and innovative solutions among Ukraine's allies. These developments highlight Ukraine's continued efforts to bolster international alliances and military capabilities as it seeks peace and security in the region.