NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, standing alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, has delivered a sobering message: the alliance has fallen short on its promises of military aid to Ukraine, inadvertently aiding Russian advances on the battlefield. The Ukrainian president echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for faster deliveries of critical armaments as the war with Russia persists.
The urgent call for increased support comes as the Russian military continues to launch missiles and conduct heavy attacks, notably in the Donetsk region, where Moscow’s troops have made incremental gains and reportedly captured the eastern village of Novobakhmutivka. Despite Ukraine’s valiant efforts to repel numerous attacks, the outgunned troops have faced setbacks, leading to tactical retreats and the need to establish new defensive lines further west.
Amidst these military escalations, NATO’s chief highlighted the consequences of delayed support. “Serious delays in support have meant serious consequences on the battlefield” for Ukraine, Stoltenberg said. “The lack of ammunition has allowed the Russians to push forward along the front line. Lack of air defense has made it possible for more Russian missiles to hit their targets, and the lack of deep strike capabilities has made it possible for the Russians to concentrate more forces.”
Following months of deadlock in the US House of Representatives, a vote in April 2020 finally unlocked vital aid for Ukraine. This aid was desperately needed, as Ukrainian troops had been forced to ration ammunition and the country’s air defenses were weakening. The US aid package was followed by similar announcements from Britain, Germany, and the Netherlands, all providing much-needed support to Ukraine.
Despite these commitments, Zelenskyy emphasized the urgency for timely support. “Timely support for our army. Today I don’t see anything positive on this point yet. There are supplies, they have slightly begun, this process needs to be sped up,” he stated during the press conference.
While NATO has failed to meet its promises in recent months, Stoltenberg assured that “new commitments to come” are expected to make a significant difference on the ground. This is critical as Ukraine braces for a potential major Russian offensive in the summer, even though the front lines have seen little change since the beginning of the conflict.
Relevant articles:
– NATO chief urges long-term Ukraine aid as Russian army advances, Atlantic Council, 05/01/2024
– Ukraine Says Resisting Heavy Attacks in East Amid Russian Advance, The Defense Post, 04/29/2024
– NATO chief chides members as Ukraine’s allies say slow arms deliveries have helped Russia, KSNF/KODE – FourStatesHomepage.com, 04/29/2024
– Russian troops guzzle dirty puddle water amidst supply shortages — video, Yahoo News Australia, 04/30/2024