During a meeting at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need for increased weapons support from the United States and over 50 partner nations. The U.S. announced an additional $250 million in security assistance to Kyiv, as Zelenskyy sought permission to use provided weapons to strike deeper inside Russia.
Amid Ukraine's first offensive operations against Russia and facing a significant threat near the Donbas region, Zelenskyy stressed the importance of long-range capabilities to motivate Russia towards seeking peace. The recent surprise assault in Russia's Kursk territory resulted in capturing 1,300 kilometers of Russian land and casualties among Russian soldiers.
Despite the offensive in Kursk, Russian forces continue to target the Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, a critical rail and supply hub. Zelenskyy's calls for loosening restrictions and obtaining greater Western capabilities to strike deeper inside Russia have intensified following deadly Russian airstrikes.
The meeting focused on resourcing air defense and artillery supplies, enhancing Ukraine's defense industrial base, and sourcing a substitute missile for its S-300 air defense systems. Discussions also included providing air-to-ground missiles for newly delivered F-16 fighter jets, potentially including the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile for longer-range capabilities.
Since 2022, member nations have collectively provided approximately $106 billion in security assistance to Ukraine, with the U.S. contributing over $56 billion. The meeting underscored the ongoing support for Ukraine's defense needs as Zelenskyy seeks to strengthen ties with Western allies before the end of the current U.S. administration.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany is set to meet with Zelenskyy in Frankfurt, further demonstrating international solidarity with Ukraine in the face of escalating tensions with Russia.
