Ukraine ammo shortage aiding Putin: Zelensky
3 Min Read
Earlier in the day, Ukrainian troops withdraw from Avdiivka, a key stronghold encircled by Russian forces.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivers a speech at the Munich Security Conference at the Bayerischer Hof Hotel in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024. The 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC) is taking place from Feb. 16 to Feb. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
At the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russian forces is impeded by insufficient supplies of long-range missiles and artillery shells. He noted that the Ukrainian army is in urgent need of additional weaponry.
This follows the withdrawal of troops from the city of Avdiivka, one of the key strongholds of Ukrainian forces in Donetsk, as Russian forces encircled the city from three directions.
"Ukrainians have proven that we can force Russia to retreat," he said, adding that "our actions are limited only by the sufficiency and length of the range of our strength... (the) Avdiivka situation proves this," said Zelensky.
"Keeping Ukraine in artificial deficits of weapons, particularly in deficits of artillery and long-range capabilities, allows Putin to adapt to the current intensity of the war."
Read more: Italy's eighth 'aid package' to reach Ukraine soon: Deputy PM Tajani
Ukraine aid at a halt
The ammunition shortage is largely attributed to an ongoing standoff in the US Congress over the passing of a bill intended to provide aid for both Ukraine and "Israel." However, this bill dismisses the migration crisis, which has been the top priority for Republican lawmakers.
On Thursday, Politico reported that US House representatives are set to introduce a new proposal that includes both foreign aid for Ukraine and "Israel," as well as border security measures.
According to the report, the bill incorporates foreign military aid but reduces humanitarian and economic assistance as previously suggested in a $95 billion supplemental funding bill endorsed by the Senate. It also includes a version of the "remain in Mexico" immigration policy.
The bipartisan drafted proposal is estimated to carry a price tag of around $60 billion.
In seeking to alleviate concerns regarding US commitments in aiding Ukraine, Vice President Kamala Harris stated after discussions with Zelensky that the US would not allow political brinkmanship to hinder its support for Kiev.
"As it relates to our support for Ukraine, we must be unwavering and we cannot play political games," she said.
Read more: Kamala Harris says US lead based on strategic interests, 'not charity'
Another defeat for Ukraine
After months of intensive fighting, Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky announced earlier today the decision to withdraw troops from Avdiivka. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the decision was made to "save people's lives."
Signs of withdrawal initially surfaced on Thursday, when US National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby stated that the situation in Avdiivka is critical and warned that the city may fall under Russian control due to Ukraine's ammo shortage.
Then, on Friday, Brigadier General Tarnavskyi announced that Ukrainian troops had withdrawn from their positions in the southern part of Avdiivka, reporting casualties.
Syrsky, appointed just last week, had reportedly deployed additional forces to support the defense of Avdiivka. However, statements from Tarnavskiy indicated that Kiev might be contemplating a withdrawal from the city, as Russian forces had encircled the city from three different sides.
