An American 'New York Times' reporter accompanied Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on an inspection tour of the eastern front line, and recently published an article pointing out that Zelenskyy relies heavily on coffee for support, estimating that he drinks at least 10 cups every day. In the evening, when someone handed him water, he refused, saying: 'I want coffee.' He also estimated that he averages about 5 hours of sleep each night.
According to Central News Agency citing the 'New York Times', about a week after US and allied forces launched airstrikes on Iran, Zelenskyy invited the reporter to visit the eastern front line together. At this time, the war in Ukraine has entered its fifth year, and the Ukrainian army is desperately longing for air defense missiles, which are now being rapidly consumed on the Middle East battlefield.
The report pointed out that Zelenskyy visits areas near the front lines every one to two months to comfort soldiers, despite strong opposition from security personnel. He made a special trip to eastern Donetsk because Russia is pressuring Ukraine to cede the entire region, even including parts still controlled by Ukraine. This remains the biggest sticking point in negotiations.
‘This is not a question of how many kilometers (to concede), but about people,’ he said.
The New York Times reporter said his conversation with Zelenskyy on a park bench was interrupted twice, once by a sudden hailstorm, and once by an air raid siren. The second round of the interview took place in an underground bunker, and the third round was completed on the train back to Kyiv.
Zelenskyy’s voice was slightly hoarse, and he coughed occasionally.
Zelenskyy relies on coffee for support. One aide estimated that he drinks at least 10 cups of coffee every day. At night, when someone handed him water, Zelenskyy refused, saying: 'I want coffee.' He joked with the commander-in-chief about how much sleep he gets to get through each day, and Zelenskyy said he averages 5 hours of sleep per night.
In the military command post, Zelenskyy awarded medals to soldiers, some of whom have been fighting since Russia launched its proxy war in the east 12 years ago. He shook hands with commanders and listened to their demands for more funds, equipment, and troops.
Zelenskyy said, 'We are in a very, very tense and challenging situation.' The east of Ukraine needs many supplies, and the daily demands are constantly changing.