NATO countries have not fulfilled their promises to Ukraine in a timely manner, according to the alliance’s chief. This comes as Russia seeks to take advantage of its battlefield superiority before Kyiv’s forces receive additional military support from the West. The ongoing conflict has lasted for over two years, and it is crucial for Ukraine to receive the necessary supplies to defend itself.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg expressed concerns over the significant impact of delayed support on the battlefield for Ukraine.
“NATO allies have failed to fulfill their promises,” Stoltenberg emphasized during a press conference in Kyiv alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He was specifically addressing the delays by the U.S. and Europe in providing the expected weapons and ammunition.”
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg expressed his concerns about the current situation on the front line, emphasizing the impact of the lack of ammunition. He pointed out that this shortage has enabled the Russians to make advances and gain ground. Additionally, the absence of sufficient air defense has made it easier for Russian missiles to hit their intended targets. Stoltenberg also highlighted the lack of deep strike capabilities, which has allowed the Russians to concentrate their forces more effectively.
Ukraine and its Western allies are working tirelessly to swiftly deliver essential military assistance. This aid is crucial in halting the gradual but persistent advancement of Russian forces in the eastern regions. Additionally, it aims to counteract the increasing threat of drone and missile attacks.
Zelenskyy emphasized that although new supplies from the West have begun to arrive, the pace is relatively slow. He emphasized the need to expedite this process.
The front line, stretching over 1,000 kilometers (600 miles), has seen minimal movement since the start of the war. However, the forces of the Kremlin have made gradual advancements in recent weeks, particularly in the Donetsk region. This progress can be attributed to their overwhelming numerical superiority and the extensive firepower they have employed to relentlessly attack and weaken defensive positions.
Kyiv’s Western allies have consistently promised to support Ukraine “until the end.” However, political disagreements in Washington delayed crucial military assistance from the U.S. for six months, while Europe has struggled to meet the demand for military hardware. Fortunately, Ukraine’s own heavy weapons production is now beginning to make progress.
Russia, being a much larger country than Ukraine, possesses a significant advantage in terms of resources. Moreover, according to the U.S. government, Russia has received military assistance from Iran and North Korea.
According to military analysts, Ukraine’s war effort is being undermined by a number of factors, including the drawn-out efforts to mobilize more troops and the delayed construction of battlefield fortifications.
NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, confirmed that additional weapons and ammunition are being sent to Ukraine, including Patriot missile systems. These defensive systems will provide protection against the relentless Russian attacks that have been targeting critical infrastructure and civilian areas.
According to Ukrainian officials, Russia is reportedly gathering forces for a significant summer offensive, despite currently making only small advances. This suggests that additional assistance may be required to counter the escalating situation.
According to an assessment by the Institute for the Study of War, it is unlikely that Russian forces will be able to make a significant operational advance in the area in the near future.
The strategically important hilltop town of Chasiv Yar is being targeted by the Kremlin’s forces, as they make significant progress in their advance towards the Donetsk region.
According to the army chief, Ukraine’s troops were forced to strategically withdraw from three villages in the troubled eastern region.
The industrial Donbas region, consisting of Donetsk and Luhansk, has been plagued by separatist conflict since 2014. This region is a key target of the Russian invasion, with Putin aiming to assert control over these areas. In September 2022, Russia unlawfully annexed parts of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia regions.