Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Warns Allies About “Artificial Deficit” of Arms
MUNICH (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a warning to allies, stating that the “artificial deficit” situation of arms for his country could potentially provide Russia with breathing space. Zelenskyy emphasized the urgency of acquiring artillery and long-range weapons, a move prompted by his military chief’s recent decision to withdraw Ukrainian troops from the eastern city of Avdiivka, as reported by the Associated Press.
Strategic Perspectives Addressed at Munich Security Conference
Zelenskyy addressed the Munich Security Conference, an esteemed yearly event attended by security and foreign policy officials. Highlighting the predicament of low ammunition supplies and a shortage of personnel that Ukraine currently faces in the ongoing war with Russia, Zelenskyy stressed, “Ukrainians have proven that we can force Russia to retreat. We can regain our land, and Putin can be defeated, as we have achieved on multiple occasions.”
While Ukraine has successfully pushed back Russian forces, Zelenskyy acknowledged the limitation to their actions: “Our actions are limited only by… our strength.” The Ukrainian president exemplified the challenges faced by Ukraine by explaining the situation in Avdiivka. Ukrainian commander Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi chose to withdraw troops from the city after a grueling four-month battle against a better-equipped Russian assault, prioritizing the safety and lives of Ukrainian soldiers.
The Risk of “Artificial Deficit” for Ukraine
Zelenskyy expressed concern over the “artificial deficit” of weapons, particularly a lack of artillery and long-range capabilities, which allow Russia to adapt to the ongoing intensity of the war. He stressed the importance of addressing this deficit and the potential consequent weakening of democracy. Zelenskyy commented, “The self-weakening of democracy over time undermines our joint results.”
The withdrawal of troops from Avdiivka was deemed a “correct decision” by the president, prioritizing the safety of Ukraine’s soldiers. Despite Russian attacks targeting Avdiivka for months and losing thousands of soldiers in the process, Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia had accomplished little in the grand scheme. He attributed this to their depletion of resources and the lack of long-range weapons at Ukraine’s disposal, stating, “We’re just waiting for the weapons that we’re short of. That’s why our soldiers, our people, are our weapons for now.”
European Allies and Aid for Ukraine
Zelenskyy recently signed bilateral security agreements with Germany and France, following a similar agreement with Britain last month during his visits to Berlin and Paris. With Ukraine’s European allies appealing for aid in the ongoing war with Russia, a $60 billion package, mainly for U.S. defense entities to produce missiles, munitions, and other military equipment, awaits approval from the U.S. Congress. However, the package encounters resistance from House Republicans, as reported by the Associated Press.
With regards to inviting former U.S. president and potential 2024 presidential candidate Donald Trump to Kyiv, Zelenskyy commented, “I invited him publicly, but it depends on his wishes.” He even expressed his readiness to accompany Trump to the front lines, demonstrating his commitment to Ukraine’s cause.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, after meeting President Zelenskyy, stressed the strategic interest of the United States in continuing its support. “History shows us: If we allow an aggressor like Putin to take land without consequences, they will continue. This, in turn, emboldens other potential aggressors,” Harris stated. She emphasized the need to remain resolute and avoid engaging in political games.
U.S. aid is of vital importance to Ukraine, as President Zelenskyy emphasized the need for the aid package to progress. He viewed it as a step forward for Ukraine, asserting that “moving forward is much, much better than stagnation on the battlefield.” Zelenskyy underlined Kyiv’s reliance on the continued strategic partnership with the United States.
The delayed approval from Congress has impacted the delivery of U.S. weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized the consequences of this delay. Stoltenberg warned, “Every week we wait means that there will be more people killed on the front line in Ukraine.” Additionally, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas highlighted the 1930s history and the potential cost and jeopardized global security that may arise from isolationist actions.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Ukraine’s second-largest military supplier after the U.S., emphasized the need for other European countries to increase their support and deliveries. He praised the military aid provided by the United States since the start of the war and called for a comparable effort from all European nations: “A comparable effort must be the least that every European country also does.”
Read More:
Read the full report here.
Learn more about the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine here.
Discover the details of the bilateral security agreements signed by Zelenskyy here.
Uncover the appeal for aid for Ukraine by its European allies here.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news on former U.S. president Donald Trump here.
Discover the highlights of the meeting between Kamala Harris and Zelenskyy here.
Learn more about the dire situation in Ukraine and Europe’s stance from Estonia’s Prime Minister here.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz urges strengthened European support here.
