Volodymyr Zelenskiy told the Wall Street Journal that Ukraine is ready for its much-discussed counteroffensive against Russia, but downplayed the prospects for rapid success and warned of potential heavy casualties. “We would like to have certain things, but we can’t wait for months,” he said, adding that Kyiv’s ground forces are “stronger and more motivated” than Russia’s.
Ukraine’s president spoke in an extended interview in the southern port city of Odesa. In addition to well-worn talking points about the need for faster weapons deliveries and a path to NATO membership, Zelenskiy said he feared the 2024 US election could usher in a less-supportive administration in Washington.
With efforts to push Russian troops back - but Kremlin positions seen as more entrenched after months of preparation - pressure continues from some quarters for Kyiv to seek a peace settlement that would lock in Russia’s territorial gains. Indonesia is the latest country to back a framework similar to that advanced by China. Zelenskiy on Thursday met with top commanders to review air defense capabilities and efforts by third countries to help Russia circumvent sanctions and increase missile output, his office said.
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Markets
Oil climbed on Friday alongside risk assets, with attention focusing on the OPEC+ deliberations, but is still on pace for a weekly decline amid worries about demand.
Wheat prices rose for a third day, extending a rebound from a more than two-year low set earlier in the week tied to booming crops in northern and eastern Europe that could push world production to a new record.