NATO allies pledge to boost arms supplies for Ukraine
Amidst mounting concerns over dwindling arms supplies for Ukraine, NATO allies have pledged to ramp up production to meet the country's urgent needs in its ongoing defence against Russia's invasion.
The alliance's commitment was reinforced during a private session at a NATO meeting in Brussels, where British Foreign Secretary David Cameron underscored the need for long-term arms supply deals to sustain Ukraine's resistance, reports The Telegraph.
"We must use our economic might to confront Russia," Cameron asserted, emphasising the urgency of ensuring Ukraine's access to the necessary weaponry to safeguard its sovereignty. He advocated for NATO allies to enter into long-term agreements with arms manufacturers, guaranteeing a steady flow of military equipment to Ukraine for at least the next two years.
The meeting convened amidst growing apprehension that Ukraine's existing arms stockpiles are depleting rapidly, as Russia intensifies its own arms production and prepares for a protracted conflict. Concerns have also been raised regarding the European Union's ability to fulfil its pledge to provide Ukraine with 1 million artillery shells by March 2024, while additional support from the United States is currently stalled due to political wrangling within Congress.
In a separate development, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba met with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg at the alliance's headquarters on November 29. During their discussion, both officials acknowledged the critical need for Western defence industries to coordinate their efforts and significantly increase arms shipments to Ukraine.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
