West lacking ‘unity’ over Ukraine war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said yesterday that the West remained divided over the extent of its support for Ukraine in its defence against Russia's months-long invasion.

"Unity is about weapons. My question is, is there this unity in practice? I can't see it. Our huge advantage over Russia would be when we are truly united," Zelensky said during a panel discussion on Ukraine at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Washington and European countries have poured billions of dollars' worth of arms into Ukraine to help the country's outgunned forces beat back the better-armed Russian invaders.

Kyiv has called for greater support, membership to the US-led Nato military alliance, and for a no-fly zone to be imposed over the country.

Zelensky said Ukraine was grateful for support from US President Joe Biden but said resolve was lagging closer to home.

"We are on the European continent and we need the support of a united Europe," he added.

He also pointed to a lack of consensus over Sweden and Finland's historic bid to join Nato, which has been called into question by Turkey, reports AFP.

On the ground, Russian forces launched offensives on towns in eastern Ukraine yesterday, with constant mortar bombardment destroying several houses and killing civilians, as Russia focuses its attack on the industrial Donbas region.

Moscow is also targeting southern Ukraine and has blockaded ships that would normally export Ukrainian grain and sunflower oil through the Black Sea, pushing up prices globally and threatening lives.

Russia said it was ready to provide a humanitarian corridor for vessels carrying food to leave Ukraine but said Western sanctions would need to be lifted in return.