NATO Chief Criticizes Delays in Ukraine Aid, Urges Faster Deliveries

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has criticized NATO countries for serious delays in delivering promised military aid to Ukraine, saying it has allowed Russia to make gains on the battlefield. During a visit to Kyiv on Thursday, Stoltenberg acknowledged that the lack of ammunition, air defense, and deep strike capabilities has enabled Russia to push forward along the front line.

"The serious delays in support have had serious consequences on the battlefield," Stoltenberg said at a joint news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "Ukraine is being outgunned and struggling to fend off Russian advances."

Stoltenberg specifically called out the United States for taking six months to pass a $60 billion Ukraine aid package, and European countries for delivering much less artillery ammunition than promised. "The failure to deliver promised aid in a timely manner has put a dent into Ukraine's trust in its NATO allies," he said.

While new Western supplies have started arriving, Zelenskyy urged for the process to be sped up. "The Russian army is trying to take advantage of the situation when Ukraine is expecting supplies from its partners," Zelenskyy said. "The situation on the battlefield directly depends on the speed of ammunition supplies to Ukraine."

Stoltenberg said more weapons and ammunition, including Patriot missile systems, are on the way to help Ukraine defend against heavy Russian barrages. However, military analysts say the conditions are being set for Russia to have a military advantage at the front line in the near future, though major movement of the front lines is not expected in the next few weeks or months.

Why this matters: The delays in NATO military aid have allowed Russia to make incremental gains in eastern Ukraine, especially in the Donetsk region. Ukraine's forces are struggling to hold back the Russian advance while waiting for critical supplies to arrive from its Western partners.

Despite the challenges, Stoltenberg assured Zelenskyy that Ukraine is on an "irreversible path" towards NATO membership. However, a decision on membership is not expected at the upcoming NATO summit in July. For now, Ukraine and its allies are focused on getting the necessary weapons and ammunition to the front lines to prevent further Russian advances. As Zelenskyy noted, "Vital U.S. weapons are starting to arrive in Ukraine in small amounts, but the process needs to move faster."

Key Takeaways

• NATO chief criticizes delays in military aid to Ukraine, enabling Russian gains.
• US took 6 months to pass $60B aid package, Europe delivered less artillery than promised.
• Ukraine urges faster weapons/ammo delivery to counter Russian advances.
• Patriot missiles, other weapons on the way, but conditions favor Russia's front line.
• Ukraine's NATO membership path is "irreversible" but decision not expected soon.