Zelensky Pleads For More Arms To Defeat Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy urged allies at a global security conference, to plug an "artificial" shortage of weapons that is giving Russian forces the upper hand on the battlefield and said stalled US aid was imperative, Andreas Rinke, John Irish, and Andrew Gray reported for Reuters.

Addressing the gathering of politicians, diplomats and military officials from around the world, who gave him a standing ovation, Zelenskiy mixed gratitude for the support shown by Western countries with urging them for more. I Photo: Володимир Зеленський  Facebook

Addressing the gathering of politicians, diplomats and military officials from around the world, who gave him a standing ovation, Zelenskiy mixed gratitude for the support shown by Western countries with urging them for more.

He spoke at a critical juncture in Russia's nearly two-year-old invasion of Ukraine, with his troops forced to withdraw from the devastated eastern town of Avdiivka, Sarah Marsh, Matthias Williams, and Maria Sheahan reported for Reuters from Berlin.

Ukraine faces acute shortages of ammunition and US military aid has been delayed for months in Congress.

“Unfortunately keeping Ukraine in an artificial deficit of weapons, particularly in ... artillery and long-range capabilities, allows (Russian President Vladimir) Putin to adapt to the current intensity of the war," Zelenskiy said.

Sending additional packages of weapons and air defenses to Ukraine was the most important thing its allies could do. “If your artillery (range) is 20 km (12 miles), but Russia's is 40 km, there is your answer," Zelenskiy said, Max Hunder and Julia Payne reported for Reuters from Brussels.

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