Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview with CNN said if the United States does not provide Ukraine with long-range ATACMS missiles, this will lead to more military and civilian casualties.

In particular, Zelenskyy said he remains focused on getting more long-range missiles from the United States, arguing that Ukraine wants them not to target Russia but to maintain the level of combat capabilities of the two sides.

"We are on the finishing line, I'm sure of that," the president said.

At the same time, he said it would be "a loss for us" weapons are not provided, Zelenskyy said, adding it would result in "more casualties on the battlefield and elsewhere."

Ukraine's president also reiterated the need to increase the number of air defense systems, including the U.S. Patriot system, saying they are needed to protect civilian areas.

In addition, Zelenskyy commented on the progress of the counteroffensive. Thus, answering the question of whether a serious turning point in Ukraine's military counteroffensive is possible this year, he said: "I think nobody knows, really."

"But I think that we will have more success," the head of state said, noting Ukraine's successes in the east of the country.

As reported, U.S. President Joseph Biden should soon make a final decision on sending army long-range tactical missile systems, also known as ATACMS, to Ukraine.