More weapons and less waiting: Zelensky asks NATO not to fail them again

The arrival of American weapons in Ukraine is gradually beginning, but President Volodymyr Zelensky is urging for them to be delivered to the frontlines immediately. Zelensky expressed at a press conference in Kyiv with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg that the situation on the battlefield is directly dependent on the pace of ammunition supplies to Ukraine. Stoltenberg acknowledged that NATO members have not fulfilled their promises of military aid in recent months, but reassured that the flow of weapons and ammunition will increase.

With Russia intensifying long-range airstrikes on Ukraine’s energy sector, causing significant damage that will require time to repair, Zelensky emphasized the need for supplies of Patriot air defense launching systems. These cutting-edge weapons are crucial in countering Russian attacks with long-range missiles and drones.

Stoltenberg admitted, “I will be very honest with President Zelensky and with the Verkhovna Rada: NATO allies have not fulfilled what we promised in recent months. The United States spent six months negotiating the package, and European allies did not provide the ammunition we promised. But now I am sure that everything will change.”

Zelensky stressed the urgency of supporting the Ukrainian army without delay and expressed regret that he did not see any positive developments at the moment. He emphasized the need to accelerate the delivery process, stating, “Supplies have already partially started. They need to be faster since the Russian invading forces are advancing, taking advantage of Ukrainian weaknesses.”

During the negotiations, Stoltenberg and Zelensky discussed ways to repel Russian aggression, enhance interaction between Ukraine and NATO, and unify forces. The NATO Secretary General invited Zelensky to the alliance’s summit in Washington in July, but expressed doubts about Kyiv receiving an official invitation to join the alliance at that summit.

Stoltenberg explained, “When the right time comes, Ukraine will be able to immediately become a member of NATO. I look forward to the day when the Ukrainian flag flies over NATO headquarters. But to make this decision, we need the consent of all the allies. We need consensus, not a majority, which means we need the consent of the 32 members. And I don’t think we will reach an agreement like that before the July summit.”

Ukraine officially submitted a request to join NATO on September 30, 2022. Although the alliance members did not extend an official invitation to Ukraine at the NATO summit in Vilnius in July 2023, they agreed to simplify the country’s accession process. Stoltenberg believes Ukraine is moving closer to membership and stated, “We want it to join us as a full member as soon as possible.”

However, the immediate membership of Ukraine poses a problem for many analysts as it would obligate NATO to protect Ukraine, potentially leading to a direct armed conflict with Russia. Kyiv’s position is to receive an official promise of future alliance membership within a specific time frame.

While Western countries fear a direct confrontation with Russia, they also understand that a victory for Putin in Ukraine would negatively impact European security. Ukraine’s top military chief has warned of Russian offensive preparations, and Zelensky has repeatedly voiced concerns that a major offensive may occur at the end of May or June.

Regarding Ukraine’s needs, Zelensky explicitly mentioned the requirement for 155-caliber artillery, long-range weapons, and air defense systems, particularly Patriot systems. He stated, “This is what our partners have, and it should now work here in Ukraine to destroy Russian ambitions. Together with our allies, we must thwart the Russian offensive.” Russia maintains a larger military-age population and a stronger industrial base compared to Ukraine, but Ukraine receives more modern weapons and displays greater motivation to fight. However, there is still no clear formula among Kyiv’s allies on how to channel aid, and the US elections in November will influence the short-term future.

Stoltenberg assured reporters that “it is not too late for Ukraine to prevail.” He emphasized the urgency for NATO allies to fulfill their promises and translate commitments into actual deliveries of weapons and ammunition, expressing confidence in this happening.