During a joint news conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Sunday that his country is preparing a counteroffensive with the objective of liberating areas currently occupied by Russia.

He emphasized that this action is not intended to attack Russian territory. Zelensky clarified that Ukraine's goal is to regain control of the territories that fall within its internationally recognized borders.

Speculation has arisen regarding Ukraine's intentions to capture areas within Russia proper and utilize them as leverage in potential peace negotiations aimed at ending the war initiated by Moscow in February 2022.

“We don’t attack Russian territory, we liberate our own legitimate territory,” Zelensky told reporters.

“We have neither the time nor the strength to attack Russia. And we also don’t have weapons to spare, with which we could do this,” he said.

“We are preparing a counterattack for the illegally occupied areas based on our constitutionally defined legitimate borders, which are recognized internationally,” Zelensky added.

Zelensky’s visit comes a day after the German government announced a new package of military aid for Ukraine worth more than 2.7 billion euros ($3 billion), including tanks, anti-aircraft systems, and ammunition.

In a post on Twitter, he thanked Germany for the military aid package.

“I thank Germany for the largest military aid package since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion. German air defense systems, artillery, tanks and infantry fighting vehicles are saving Ukrainian lives and bringing us closer to victory. Germany is a reliable ally!” Zelensky said. (ILKHA)