Natalia Zinets

KYIV, Reuters – Ukraine President Volodymyr Zeleskiy claimed that the country hoped to acquire heavy weapons in talks with U.S. secretary of defense in Kyiv Sunday. He said these weapons were essential for Ukraine’s eventual retaking Russian-occupied territory.

Ukrainian leaders warned Kyiv that Moscow would destroy “our people” in Mariupol, a war-torn Ukrainian city. They also staged referendums for the creation of more independent republics on new-occupied Ukrainian territory.

In an emotional news conference, the man stated at one point that Russia could have a nuclear weapon but that he was not willing to accept that Moscow might.

His words were a clear statement that Ukraine must acquire additional weapons.

He stated to reporters that “as soon (more weapons) as they have enough, I believe, we will immediately take this or any territory which has been temporarily occupied.”

To announce U.S. Secretary Antony Blinken, and Secretary for Defense Lloyd Austin arriving in Kyiv on Sunday, he used the news conference held in Kyiv’s metro system.

He stated, “Tomorrow we’ll discuss the exact number of weapons and delivery times that we consider essential.” This is what we expect. “We would love to have… heavy, powerful weapons.”

One point he broke down and stated that he understood the pain of the Ukrainians who were killed in Russia’s conflict. Saturday’s missile attacks had also claimed the lives of eight civilians in Odesa.

According to him, Saturday was the hardest day yet for Ukrainian troops encircled at Mariupol. He also said that Kyiv offered Moscow all possible exchange deals in order to ensure their release.

Ukrainian forces have taken refuge at the Mariupol-based steelworks.