NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has made a public appeal for the alliance’s member countries to fulfill their commitments and expedite the delivery of military support to Ukraine. Speaking in Kyiv alongside President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Stoltenberg highlighted the dire consequences the delays have had on the battlefield, where Ukrainian forces have struggled to hold back Russian advances.
“Serious delays in support have meant serious consequences on the battlefield,” Stoltenberg said during a joint news conference, drawing attention to the critical need for more ammunition, air defense systems, and deep strike capabilities for Ukrainian forces. As Russian troops press forward with their offensive, especially in the Donetsk region, Ukraine’s military is outgunned and grappling with depleting resources.
President Zelenskyy also expressed the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that the arrival of new Western military supplies has begun, albeit at a slow pace, and needs to be accelerated. “This process must be speeded up,” he urged, signaling the growing pressure on Ukraine as it continues to fend off a determined invader.
The recent authorization of a significant aid package by the United States, to the tune of $61 billion, was intended to break the deadlock and boost Ukraine’s capabilities. Additionally, the UK and other NATO members have pledged their support, with Germany providing another Patriot air defense system and the Netherlands increasing its military aid.
Stoltenberg acknowledged that while more weapons and ammunition are on the way, including Patriot missile systems to help defend against Russian assaults on the power grid and urban areas, the realization of these promises into tangible support has been slower than expected. “I will … be very honest with President Zelenskyy and also with the Rada that NATO allies have not delivered what we have promised over the last months,” he admitted, signaling a recognition of the alliance’s shortcomings thus far.
Despite the setbacks, Stoltenberg remains optimistic, stating, “It’s not too late for Ukraine to prevail,” but underscored the urgency required from NATO allies to convert commitments into real deliveries of weapons and ammunition.
The front lines have seen little change since the war’s inception, Russia’s relentless missile, drone, and bomb attacks continue to batter Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
Relevant articles:
– NATO’s Chief Chides Alliance Countries for Not Being Quicker to Help Ukraine Against Russia, Military, 04/29/2024
– Ukraine’s Zelenskyy and NATO chief Stoltenberg urge faster arms supplies, Al Jazeera English, Mon, 29 Apr 2024 18:37:45 GMT
– Ukraine’s Zelenskyy urges faster US weapon deliveries, Fox News, Mon, 29 Apr 2024 15:28:00 GMT
– Ukraine’s Zelenskiy calls for faster arms supplies as NATO chief visits, Yahoo News Australia, Sat, 27 Apr 2024 18:57:56 GMT