Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has urgently appealed for more weapons to prevent a “catastrophic” situation in Europe. Speaking at an international conference in Germany, Zelensky highlighted the “artificial deficit of weapons” that Ukraine is facing, which he believes only benefits Russia. The Ukrainian troops are running out of ammunition as crucial US support has been delayed by supporters of former President Donald Trump in Congress.
Zelensky expressed his willingness to tour the front lines with Mr. Trump, stating, “If Mr. Trump will come, I am ready to go with him to the front line. What does it mean, the real war, not Instagram, the real war.” This statement emphasizes the seriousness of the situation and the need for immediate action.
President Joe Biden assured Zelensky of the US’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s fight against the Russian invasion during a phone call on Saturday. The White House released a statement confirming this support. Zelensky expressed his gratitude for President Biden’s full support and hoped that Congress would make a wise decision regarding the stalled aid package for Ukraine.
US Vice-President Kamala Harris also reiterated assurances of support to Kyiv during a joint news conference with Zelensky at the Munich Security Conference. She emphasized that the US cannot play political games over military aid.
The urgency for increased support comes as Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches its two-year anniversary. Zelensky’s top military commander announced that Ukrainian troops had withdrawn from Avdiivka, a key city in eastern Ukraine, marking one of Russia’s biggest military victories in months.
Zelensky addressed the conference, stating that Ukrainian efforts were limited by the sufficiency and range of their strength. He emphasized the importance of providing Ukraine with sufficient weapons and long-range capabilities to counter Russia effectively. Zelensky warned that if the Western world did not stand up to Putin, he would make the next few years catastrophic for many more countries.
The article also discusses the critical dependence of Ukraine on weapons supplies from the US and other Western allies. Ukraine faces a much larger military force in Russia, which has an abundance of artillery ammunition. UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron expressed that support from the UK, EU, and the US would make a real difference in the fight against Russia.
However, the approval of a foreign aid package, including $60 billion for Ukraine, faces challenges in the US House of Representatives. Members of the Republican Party loyal to Trump seem unwilling to pass the measure. Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte urged Europe to provide more assistance to Ukraine, emphasizing that it is in their interests to do so.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg highlighted the significance of supporting Ukraine, stating that a Putin victory would not only be a tragedy for Ukrainians but also send a message to other leaders who use military force to get what they want. Stoltenberg believes that supporting Ukraine is an investment in their own security.
In conclusion, President Zelensky’s urgent appeal for more weapons highlights the critical situation Ukraine is facing in its fight against Russia. The delay in US support and the need for increased assistance from Western allies have put Ukraine at a disadvantage. The international community must recognize the severity of the situation and take immediate action to prevent further escalation and protect Ukraine’s sovereignty.
