Zelensky Appeals To Nato For Winter Weapons

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine made an impassioned plea on Wednesday for increased weapons supplies from Ukraine's allies, calling for assistance to help his country endure the impending winter amid the backdrop of Russia's relentless war. This plea came during his inaugural visit to the headquarters of the military alliance NATO. Addressing concerns that the ongoing crisis in Israel might divert the attention of key supporter, the United States, from Ukraine's plight, Zelensky emphasized the urgent need for air defense systems, long-range missiles, and ammunition. "How to survive during this next winter for us is big," Zelensky stressed while standing beside NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg before a meeting with alliance defense ministers. "We are preparing, we are ready. Now we need some support from the leaders. That's why I'm here today." Responding to Zelensky's plea, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced a fresh arms package worth $200 million for Kyiv, including air defense missiles to bolster Ukraine's ability to repel an anticipated winter offensive by Russia. Austin affirmed the United States' steadfast commitment, stating, "Make no mistake, the United States will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes." This arms package marks the first such announcement since uncertainties in the U.S. Congress raised doubts about President Joe Biden's ability to sustain support for Ukraine. Furthermore, Zelensky voiced concerns that the ongoing crisis in Israel might divert international attention from the war that Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated nearly 600 days ago in Ukraine. He urged Western nations to rally around the Israeli people, paralleling the support Ukraine received following Russia's invasion last year. In a resolute statement, Zelensky asserted, "Terrorists like Putin, or like Hamas, seek to hold free and democratic nations as hostages and they want power over those who seek freedom. The terrorists will not change. They just must lose." The Ukrainian president's visit to NATO underscores the gravity of the situation and Ukraine's need for continued support in its ongoing struggle against Russian aggression.