Ukraine’s Defense Minister: Delayed Western Military Support Costs Lives in Russia’s War
In a powerful statement made at the “Ukraine. Year 2024” forum in Kyiv, Ukraine’s Defense Minister, Rustan Umerov, expressed his frustration over the delayed arrival of Western military support to Ukraine. Umerov emphasized that these delays not only complicate the task of military planners but also result in the loss of Ukrainian soldiers’ lives in Russia’s ongoing war.
According to Umerov, each delayed aid shipment directly translates to Ukrainian troop losses and highlights Russia’s superior military might. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who also spoke at the event, revealed that a staggering 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in action since Russia launched its full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. This is the first time that Kyiv has officially confirmed the number of casualties.
While commemorations marking the second anniversary of the war brought expressions of continued support, new bilateral security agreements, and aid commitments from Ukraine’s Western allies, Umerov stressed the importance of timely delivery on these promises. He stated that Ukraine’s ability to hold out against Russia depends on the fulfillment of these commitments.
Umerov highlighted the stark contrast between Ukraine and Russia, stating, “We look to the enemy: their economy is almost $2 trillion.” He further explained that Russia allocates up to 15% of its official and nonofficial budget funds for the war, amounting to more than $150 billion. Whenever a commitment fails to arrive on time, Umerov emphasized, “we lose people, we lose territories.”
During a press conference following the forum, President Zelenskyy revealed that four brigades were unable to participate in the country’s counteroffensive against Russian forces due to a lack of expected equipment. Zelenskyy expressed his frustration, asking, “Can you imagine the numbers of guys who would have fought, who couldn’t? The ones that had to sit and wait for the equipment they never received?”
Despite the challenges, Zelenskyy confirmed plans for an international peace summit to address issues exacerbated by the war, such as nuclear and food security. The summit is scheduled to take place in Switzerland in 2024, followed by a potential invitation to Russian representatives for a second summit later in the year. However, Zelenskyy made it clear that Ukraine would not accept a peace plan that did not serve its interests and dismissed the idea of direct negotiations.
Zelenskyy also addressed the ongoing fighting in northeastern Ukraine, where conflict has intensified in recent months, leading to the capture of the Ukrainian city of Avdiivka. He accused Moscow of using heavy artillery fire to put pressure on Ukrainian forces in the directions of Kharkiv and Kupiansk. Despite the challenges, Zelenskyy remained defiant, stating, “Will Ukraine lose in this war? I am sure that it won’t. Our most difficult moment was on Feb. 24 two years ago. We have no alternative but to win. If Ukraine loses, then we will not exist. We do not want such an ending to this fight for our lives.”
Meanwhile, Russian forces continue their advance west of Avdiivka, a strategic city whose recent capture handed Moscow a significant victory. General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, who leads Ukrainian forces in the area, confirmed that his troops had retreated from much of Lastochkyne, a western suburb of Avdiivka. Reports emerged that Russian troops had taken Lastochkyne, but there was no official confirmation from Kyiv, and the situation on the battlefield remains fluid.
Jake Sullivan, U.S. President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, expressed his belief that Ukraine has a path to victory as long as Western allies provide the necessary support. Sullivan acknowledged that the loss of Avdiivka was due to a shortage of ammunition and called on the U.S. Congress to pass the additional $60 billion in security assistance requested by the Biden administration. He emphasized that Ukraine’s success is crucial, as every day without the necessary resources allows Putin to gain an advantage while Ukraine suffers.
In a show of solidarity, Germany’s top diplomat announced during a visit to southern Ukraine that Berlin would provide an extra 100 million euros ($108 million) in humanitarian aid. However, the visit was cut short when a Russian drone was spotted in the area, prompting Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and her delegation to quickly retreat to their armored vehicles.
As the conflict rages on, Russian shelling and rocket strikes continue to devastate Ukraine’s south and east. Local Ukrainian officials reported the deaths of at least two civilians and injuries to eight others in the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson provinces. The city of Kostiantynivka also suffered heavy shelling, resulting in a wounded woman and a railway station reduced to
