Ahead of a US-led Ramstein-format meeting on 19 March to discuss military support for Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his March 18 address, announced plans to maximize Ukraine’s defense production, emphasizing the strategic importance of expanding production potential annually, VoA reports.
Ukraine defense backers to convene 19 March amid artillery ammo crunch
President Zelenskyy’s remarks came after a meeting with US Senator Lindsey Graham, amid a months-long delay in new US aid by the Congressional Republicans. Zelenskyy stated that they discussed the crucial need for freedom and democracy to prevail in the current war in Ukraine, warning that failure to do so could result in the spread of Russian aggression and chaos globally.
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Zelenskyy stated that his military requires artillery, F-16 jets, Patriot missiles, and Army Tactical Missile Systems.
Last fall, US President Joe Biden proposed $60 billion in new aid for Ukraine as part of a security package already approved by the Democrat-led Senate earlier this year. The Republican-led House of Representatives has yet to consider the measure, with House Speaker Mike Johnson insisting that any security package also address US border security.
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