On Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cautioned allies about the potential consequences of low ammunition reserves, which could allow Russia to regroup and pose a threat to Ukraine. He emphasized the importance of having adequate artillery and long-range weapons, especially after his military leader announced the withdrawal of troops from Avdiivka in the east.

At the Munich Security Conference, an event where security and foreign policy officials convene every year, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is once again on the defensive against Russia in the ongoing 2-year war. He attributed this to a lack of weaponry for Ukraine, which he considers to be artificially created.

He stated that we are simply anticipating the arrival of weapons that we do not have enough of, specifically mentioning a shortage of long-range armaments.

According to Zelenskyy, Ukrainians have demonstrated the ability to make Russia withdraw. They are capable of reclaiming their territory and causing Putin to suffer defeats, as has already been seen multiple times on the battlefield.

Following a discussion between Ukrainian President and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, the two leaders held a joint press conference in Munich. Harris stated, “It is in the best interest of the United States to maintain our support.”

Zelenskyy reiterated Harris’s statement that the aid package for Ukraine, currently held up in Congress, is crucial for Ukraine’s efforts in the war. He emphasized that Kyiv relies on the U.S. as a strategic partner.

During the conference, Jens Stoltenberg, the Secretary General of NATO, stressed the significance of the U.S. Congress’ delay in approving the aid package for Ukraine, as it directly affects their defense.

He stated that each week of waiting results in more fatalities on the front line in Ukraine.

The Prime Minister of Estonia, Kaja Kallas, whose nation shares a border with Russia, expressed concern that the United States’ isolation could lead to higher costs. She cautioned that if aggression is rewarded in one place, it could encourage its use in other areas, putting global security at risk.

Olaf Scholz, the Chancellor of Germany, is Ukraine’s second-largest provider of military equipment after the United States. He has once again urged other European nations to increase their support and has highlighted the assistance provided by the U.S. during the ongoing war.

He stated that every European country should make a similar effort at the very least.

Avdiivka retreat

In response to the removal of Ukrainian military from Avdiivka in the southeast, Zelenskyy stated that the withdrawal directed by Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi was the appropriate choice. He stressed the importance of protecting the lives of Ukrainian soldiers.

He proposed that Russia’s accomplishments have been minimal, despite their relentless attacks on Avdiivka since October resulting in the loss of numerous soldiers. This depletion of their army is all that Russia has achieved.

On Friday, Syrskyi, the commander-in-chief of Ukraine, stated on Facebook that the soldiers were relocated in order to prevent being surrounded and to protect the well-being of the military personnel.

Gaining control over the eastern city is viewed as crucial for Moscow’s goal of obtaining complete authority over the two provinces in the industrial Donbas region. This could potentially give Putin, who has emphasized its importance, a triumph on the battlefield as he campaigns for reelection in the upcoming month.

Biden regarding assistance to Ukraine

At a press conference on Friday, President Joe Biden emphasized the importance of ongoing U.S. military aid to Ukraine in their conflict against Russia. He acknowledged that while the Senate, with support from both parties, approved funding for Ukraine’s war efforts, the House of Representatives has not yet taken action.

Biden stated that the actions of the House of Representatives regarding Ukraine will be remembered by history. He emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine in this crucial time, as it will have a significant impact and will be recorded in history. Time is running out and immediate action is necessary. It is important to understand the gravity of the situation at hand.

Long-term security pacts

On Friday, Zelenskyy signed a new security pact with France, stating it to be an “ambitious and comprehensive agreement.”

Zelenskyy stated to journalists, while alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, that this is not a substitute for the United States. He emphasized the importance of unity in defeating Russia.

France has agreed to a 10-year security pact that entails providing additional weaponry, training soldiers, and providing up to $3.2 billion in military aid to Ukraine by 2024.

The president of France stated that by assisting our ally in Ukraine, we are making a valuable contribution to our own safety.

On Friday, prior to a trip to Berlin, the Ukrainian president and his German colleague Scholz signed a comparable 10-year agreement focused on security, guaranteeing Germany’s ongoing military assistance to Ukraine. Additionally, Berlin pledged to enforce sanctions and export limitations on Russia, as well as maintain the freezing of Russian assets.

Scholz referred to the long-term security agreement as a significant milestone.

Last month, Ukraine entered into a bilateral agreement with Britain.

The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, and Reuters provided information for this report.

Source: voanews.com