Mr Zelenskyy's appeal came as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is about to mark its second anniversary and in the context of Kiev's recent defeat and withdrawal from the key town of Avdiivka on the eastern battlefield of the country.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks at the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany on February 17, 2024. Photo: AP
Ukraine is facing a severe ammunition shortage as US military aid has been delayed for months. Mr Zelenskyy said sending more weapons and air defence systems to Ukraine was the most important thing allies could do. “If your artillery has a range of 20km, but Russia’s is 40km, then you have an answer,” he said.
Some European leaders have promised to help Ukraine. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said: “We should have given you more support from the beginning of this war, because Ukraine cannot win the war without weapons. Words are not enough.”
German Economy Minister Robert Habeck said Europe should have started investing more in its defense industry two years ago. Along with Ukraine, the Munich Security Conference also focused on the war in Gaza.
The delay in US aid is adding to the burden on Europe, especially Germany, the second-largest military aid provider to Ukraine. Berlin says it has so far provided and pledged about 28 billion euros ($30.2 billion) in aid to Kiev.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz sidestepped questions on Saturday about whether to supply long-range Taurus missiles to Kyiv, although he called on other European countries to step up military support like Berlin.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said his country was ready to increase defense spending. Last year, the country set a target for the first time to increase defense spending to at least 2% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2026.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Ukraine must be integrated into European defence programmes because Russia is “outpacing Ukraine” in terms of troops and military hardware.
Bui Huy (according to AP, Reuters)
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