President Volodymyr Zelensky, during his first visit to NATO’s headquarters amid Russia’s ongoing war, called upon Ukraine’s allies to increase arms shipments to help his country endure the winter. He specifically requested air defense systems, long-range missiles, and ammunition, expressing concerns that the Hamas attack on Israel might divert the attention of key supporter, the United States, away from the conflict in Ukraine.
Zelensky emphasized the significance of surviving the upcoming winter, stating, “How to survive during this next winter for us is big.” He spoke alongside NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg and appealed for support from international leaders, adding, “We are preparing, we are ready. Now we need some support from the leaders. That’s why I’m here today.”
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced a new package of weaponry worth $200 million for Ukraine, including air defense missiles to bolster their defenses against an anticipated winter offensive by Russia. Austin assured, “The United States will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
This arms package from the United States is the first since uncertainties arose in the US Congress regarding President Joe Biden’s ability to maintain support.
Zelensky has voiced concerns that the crisis in Israel might divert attention from the war initiated by Russian President Vladimir Putin nearly 600 days ago. He urged Western nations to support Israel in the same way they supported Ukraine after Russia’s invasion, emphasizing that terrorists like Putin and Hamas seek to hold free and democratic nations as hostages.
Zelensky stressed the importance of air defense to protect Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure as the country prepares for a repeat of Moscow’s bombing campaign from the previous winter. He called for unity in winning the “winter battle against terror.”
The United States has reassured its commitment to supporting Ukraine will not be impacted by its increased military aid to Israel following the Hamas attack.
Amid difficulties in the US Congress, the White House is striving to ensure the continuous flow of weapons to Ukraine. The United States has provided more military support to Ukraine individually than all European NATO members and Canada combined since Russia’s full-scale invasion last year.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Dutch defense minister Kajsa Ollongren reiterated their support for Ukraine, emphasizing that the war in Ukraine remains a top priority and that Ukraine has their full backing. Ukraine seeks NATO membership to secure its long-term security against Russia. While NATO leaders have simplified the path for Ukraine’s membership, they have not issued a clear invitation or deadline for Ukraine to join.