Analyse
The statement was widely reported by major news outlets (e.g., *The New York Times*, *BBC*, *Reuters*) and corroborated by U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Zelenskyy’s refusal to evacuate—captured in this now-iconic phrase—was part of a recorded conversation with U.S. officials on **February 25–26, 2022**, as Russian forces advanced on Kyiv. The phrasing aligns with his public stance at the time, emphasizing defiance and a call for military support over personal safety. No credible evidence contradicts this account.
Achtergrond
In late February 2022, as Russian troops closed in on Kyiv, the U.S. government offered to evacuate Zelenskyy to a safer location, fearing his capture or assassination. Zelenskyy’s refusal—delivered in blunt, resolute terms—became a symbol of Ukrainian resistance and rallied global support. The line was later repeated in his public addresses and referenced in memoirs by U.S. officials involved in the negotiations.
Samenvatting verdict
Volodymyr Zelenskyy did say, 'I need ammunition, not a ride,' in response to a U.S. evacuation offer during Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Kyiv, as confirmed by multiple credible sources.