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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sounded the alarm on Saturday at the Munich Security Conference, emphasizing the urgent need for additional weaponry to counter the Russian aggression. With his country facing an acute shortage of arms and ammunition, Zelenskyy cautioned against an “artificial deficit” of military support, warning that it could provide Russia with the opportunity to regroup and prolong the conflict.
During his address, Zelenskyy underscored Ukraine’s resilience in the face of Russian aggression, citing past successes in repelling Russian advances. However, he stressed that the situation remained precarious, particularly in the eastern city of Avdiivka, where Ukrainian forces recently withdrew to prevent encirclement and preserve lives.
The president’s plea for more weapons was echoed by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, who emphasized the critical need for artillery and long-range capabilities. Kuleba emphasized the importance of ramping up production to meet the escalating demands of the conflict, acknowledging the evolving role of drones but affirming the irreplaceable value of traditional artillery.
Zelenskyy’s appeal comes in the wake of recent bilateral security agreements with France and Germany, aimed at securing long-term support for Ukraine’s defence efforts. However, despite these diplomatic gains, Ukraine’s European allies are facing resistance in the U.S. Congress over a proposed $60 billion aid package for Ukraine’s defence.
In response to questions about inviting former U.S. President Donald Trump to visit Ukraine, Zelenskyy expressed openness to the idea, highlighting the importance of maintaining bipartisan support for Ukraine’s security.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris reiterated the strategic importance of supporting Ukraine in its standoff against Russian aggression. Harris emphasized the need to prevent further land grabs by Russia, warning of the consequences of allowing aggressors to act with impunity.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg echoed these sentiments, lamenting the delay in Congress’s approval of military aid to Ukraine. Stoltenberg emphasized the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that every week of delay could result in more casualties on the front lines.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, the international community faces mounting pressure to provide robust support to Ukrainian forces in their fight against Russian aggression. The outcome of these diplomatic and military efforts will have profound implications for the security landscape of Europe and beyond.
