KYIV — Ukraine’s allies have provided an unprecedented amount of military aid, but delays in deliveries have enabled Russia to make battlefield gains, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said in the Ukrainian capital on Monday.
“NATO countries have not delivered [on] their promises, the U.S. spent months not agreeing on a package for Ukraine, European allies have not delivered [on] their promises, and this had a serious consequence on the battlefield,” Stoltenberg said at a press conference during a surprise visit to Kyiv.
“The lack of ammo has enabled Russians to push forward, lack of air defense has enabled more Russian missiles to hit the targets, lack of deep strike capabilities has enabled Russia to concentrate forces.”
Stoltenberg’s warning that failure to support Ukraine “is about life and death” came as Russian forces have made steady gains against Ukrainian defenders suffering shortages of weapons and ammunition thanks to delays in sending supplies.
“When we’re not delivering as we should, Ukrainians are paying the price. But also, us,” he said, warning that “the biggest cost will be if Russia wins in Ukraine. Because then we speak about enormous amounts of money the NATO allies would have to invest in security. Supporting Ukraine is the best way to ensure our security.”
Stoltenberg acknowledged that in recent weeks allies have been stepping up pledges and deliveries — especially following the U.S. decision to approve $61 billion in arms aid, as well as new packages from the U.K., Canada and other allies.
“But [we] have to make sure announcements are turned into deliveries. Because time matters, each day matters,” Stoltenberg said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also warned that Moscow has been taking advantage of the delays in getting arms and ammunition to the front lines.
“Efficiency in supply literally means stabilization of the front,” he said, underlining the need for 155-caliber artillery ammunition, long-range weapons and anti-aircraft defenses, primarily Patriot systems.
“This is what the partners have, and what should now be working here in Ukraine to destroy Russian terrorist ambitions. The Russian army is preparing for further offensive operations. And together with our allies, we must disrupt the Russian offensive,” Zelenskyy said.
Despite the disappointment caused by delays in allied aid, Zelenskyy underlined that Ukraine still sees its long-term future as becoming a member of the NATO alliance. Stoltenberg agreed.
“Ukraine will become a member of NATO,” the alliance chief said. “The work we are doing now puts you on an irreversible path to membership … When the right moment comes, Ukraine will be able to become a member of NATO immediately. I am looking forward to the day when the Ukrainian flag flies near the NATO headquarters.”
However, that promise won’t be fulfilled anytime soon.
The NATO secretary-general said there was no chance the alliance’s 32 members would reach a political agreement on admitting Ukraine by July’s Washington summit.
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