Ukraine can win in 2023 if West helps with weapon supplies: presidential adviser

Kyiv: Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhaylo Podolyak said his country can win the war with Russia in 2023 if the West supplies more weapons. "This scenario would end the war by autumn at the latest."

He clarified that Kyiv will not attack Russia and is waging "an exclusively defensive war." The top official also warned that without these heavy weapons, war is likely to go on for decades.

Speaking to AFP, he said only missiles with a range of more than 100 kilometres (60 miles) can help Ukraine to significantly accelerate the de-occupation of our territories. It will allow Kyiv to target Russian arms depots deep inside Ukrainian territory controlled by Moscow. These regions are currently out of the weapons Kyiv has.

Ukraine has been seeking help from Washington to deliver US ATACMS missiles which can reach up to 300 kms. These will allow Ukrainian forces to "destroy all Russian military infrastructure in occupied territories, including in Donbas" in east Ukraine and in Crimea, the Black Sea peninsula annexed by Moscow in 2014, said the official.

Podolyak said his country also needs armour, specifically heavy tanks like German Leopards and artillery. "France is already delivering light tanks to us. That's very good. But we still want to get 250 to 300 to 350 heavy tanks." Kyiv also needs more 155-millimetre calibre shells, combat drones, and anti-aircraft systems.

Speaking about anti-aircraft defence systems, he said it will help Kyiv to neutralise Russia's bombing campaigns against Ukrainian energy installations. "We will be able to close our skies in the space of a month."