BRUSSELS (AP) – On Wednesday, the Ukrainian president called on Western allies to expedite the supply of air defense systems to counter Russia’s missile assaults and enhance weapon production.
President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the Ukrainian Defense Liaison Group meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels, emphasizing the need for the American-made Patriot system.
“These represent the most effective measures to compel Russia to halt its missile attacks and instill fear,” he stated via video link.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegses was notably absent, marking the first time a Pentagon chief has missed since the formation of the Ukraine Military Assistance Forum three years ago. Hegses’ predecessor, Lloyd Austin, established the group following Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
This absence reflects the continued distancing of the Trump administration from Ukrainian defenses against the full-scale Russian aggression that began on February 24, 2022. More than 12,000 Ukrainian civilians have been reported killed, according to United Nations estimates.
Zelenskyy also urged participants to procure weapons directly from Ukraine. “The Ukrainian industry is still tapping into its potential and needs funding,” he mentioned, highlighting that the arms funding gap could reach $18 billion.
Soldiers from Ukraine’s 30th independent mechanized brigade will launch multiple grade rocket launchers on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, towards the Russian position at the forefront of Ukraine’s Donetsk region.
The UK, which co-chaired the conference with Germany, is set to ramp up drone production by tenfold to assist Ukraine. Drones have become a crucial element in the ongoing conflict.
“We must ensure that Ukrainian forces have the necessary resources when needed. This isn’t solely about Ukraine; it pertains to Europe’s security today and for generations to come,” he added.
Lithuanian Defense Minister Doville Sakalian stated, “A true friend is identified during tough times, and it is essential to amplify support for Ukraine.”
Since the formation of the contact group, Ukrainian allies have collectively provided approximately $126 billion in weapons and military aid, with over $66.5 billion sourced from the US.
The United States has not led the Ukrainian Defense Liaison Group meeting since the Trump administration began in January.
NATO allies in Europe are concerned that the US may be withdrawing troops from Europe for a focus on the Indo-Pacific region. French President Emmanuel Macron cautions that neglecting Ukraine would undermine our credibility in managing conflicts with China over Taiwan.
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Source: apnews.com