(ReclaimingAmerica.net) – Ukraine, which has been mauled in a war of aggression by Putin’s Russia for nearly 2 years now, may have to mobilize another 500,000 men, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced, as he also expressed hopes that America “will not let down” his nation on military aid.
In a seeming attempt to recreate the former Soviet empire, Moscow invaded Ukraine from three sides with some 200,000 troops on February 24, 2022.
Instead of collapsing quickly, as was widely expected, the Ukrainians have held out, and have even managed to liberate about half of the regions the Russians originally occupied – largely thanks to the massive US military aid.
In comments to reporters earlier, Zelenskyy indicated the possibility of mobilizing an additional 500,000 troops to bolster Ukraine’s defenses against Russia.
This consideration comes with a strong belief in continued American support, as Zelensky expressed, “confident the US will not let us down” regarding additional aid, The New York Post reports.
Zelenskyy, 45, seeks a comprehensive plan from his military on this “very sensitive matter” before committing to expanding the troop numbers.
The proposed force increase could entail a cost of $13.4 billion.
The United States, already a significant benefactor in Ukraine’s ongoing defense against Russia, could provide an additional $61.4 billion in assistance. This figure is currently part of a bill stalled in Congress.
Ukraine’s military strength, including the National Guard, the Border Guard and the police, stands at approximately 1.2 million personnel. The armed forces alone have over 800,000 active troops.
This is compared to Russia’s 1.32 million soldiers, recently bolstered by nearly 170,000 recruits. Estimates of how many Russian invaders are in Ukraine range from 400,000 to 600,000.
Zelenskyy speculated the war could continue until 2025, though he acknowledged the uncertainty.
“We have thoughts and ideas, and ideas can be far from reality,” the president said.
He commended the Ukrainian forces for their resilience against Russian advances.
Zelenskyy expressed confidence in the financial commitments from the United States and the European Union.
“I am confident that the United States will not betray us, that what we agreed on in the United States will be fulfilled, fully,” as reported by Ukrinform.
He also anticipated support from the EU, expecting 50 billion euros ($55 billion).
“We have achieved one victory regarding the European Union,” he added, referring to the EU’s recent decision to invite Ukraine to start EU accession negotiations.
