Devendra Kumar
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a dire warning to allies at the Munich Security Conference, cautioning that an “artificial deficit” of weapons for Ukraine risks giving Russia breathing space. This warning came just hours after his military chief announced the withdrawal of troops from the eastern city of Avdiivka, which has been under siege by Russian forces for four months. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine’s defensive capabilities are limited by a shortage of ammunition supplies and personnel, and emphasized that Russia’s main strategy is to exhaust Ukraine’s strength.
Zelensky pointed out that Ukraine’s military actions are hindered by the lack of long-range weapons, and that his soldiers are being forced to fight with limited capabilities. He highlighted the troop withdrawal in Avdiivka as a necessary measure to avoid encirclement and save soldiers’ lives. Despite acknowledging that Ukraine’s actions have forced Russia to retreat on several occasions, Zelensky warned that the self-weakening of democracy over time undermines the joint results of the war.
Zelensky reiterated the importance of receiving adequate military aid to counter Russia’s aggression, emphasizing that Ukraine is not looking for a war, but is rather fighting to defend its sovereignty. He thanked Washington for its bipartisan support and appealed for the US to approve a package of aid, worth $60 billion, to Ukraine. The package, which would go largely towards manufacturing missiles, munitions, and other military hardware, faces resistance from House Republicans.
US Vice President Kamala Harris reinforced Zelensky’s message, stating that it is in the strategic interest of the United States to continue its support for Ukraine. Harris emphasized that history shows that if an aggressor like Putin is allowed to take land with impunity, it will only encourage other would-be aggressors. She added that the United States must remain unwavering and cannot play political games.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg echoed Harris’s sentiments, warning that the delay in Congress has resulted in a reduced flow of US weapons and ammunition, with a direct impact on the front line. He cautioned that every week’s delay means more lives lost on the front line in Ukraine. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas added her voice to the warnings, cautioning that if the United States isolates itself, it will eventually cost it more. She warned that if aggression is allowed to pay off somewhere, it will serve as an invitation to use it elsewhere, jeopardizing global security.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Ukraine’s second-biggest military supplier, renewed his call for other European countries to step up with more deliveries. As Zelensky warned, the ongoing war in Europe poses a threat to global security, and only a united and unwavering response from the international community can hope to achieve a decisive victory against Russia. The warnings and appeals from global leaders are clear: it is imperative that the US approve the aid package and provide the necessary military support to Ukraine, lest the war drag on and global security is jeopardized.