KYIV (Reuters) – Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged his allies in Munich on Saturday to address what he called an “artificial” arms shortage, which is strengthening the position of Russian forces on the Ukrainian front.
Ukraine’s president was speaking at the Munich security conference, almost two years after Russia’s invasion began and his troops were forced to withdraw from the devastated eastern town of Avdiivka from the country.
Ukraine faces a serious ammunition shortage and U.S. military aid has been delayed for months by Congress.
“Unfortunately, keeping Ukraine in an artificial weapons deficit, particularly munitions and long-range capabilities, allows [Vladimir] Putin to adapt to the current intensity of the war. This self-weakening of democracy over time undermines our common resolve,” he said.
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“Don’t ask Ukraine when the war will end. Ask why [Vladimir] Putin is still capable of pursuing her.”
Right now, he added, the most important thing allies can do is send additional help, with weapons and air defense assets.
Earlier, at the same conference, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz evaded questions regarding the supply of long-range Taurus missiles to Kyiv.
“If the range of your artillery is 20 km and Russia’s is 40 km, you have the answer,” Volodimir Zelensky said.
The Munich security conference was marked Friday by the announcement of the death of Alexeï Navalny, critic of Vladimir Putin, in a Russian prison.
It is impossible to consider Vladimir Putin as the legitimate leader of Russia after the death of Alexei Navalny, reacted the Ukrainian head of state.
“Putin kills whoever he wants, whether it’s an opposition leader or anyone he thinks is a target.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov earlier called the reaction of Western leaders to the death of Alexei Navalny unacceptable.
(Reporting Max Hunder, written by Maria Sheahan; French version Kate Entringer)
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