NATO

Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna says that the key opponents of Ukraine's invitation to NATO are the United States and Germany, which urge Kyiv not to spoil the "atmosphere" at the upcoming summit in Washington.

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine is establishing direct cooperation with Western arms manufacturers, such as Colt Canada Corporation, to supply small arms and meet the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine under commercial contracts.

Vice Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna met with Admiral Robert Bauer, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, to discuss NATO's increased support for Ukraine in building military capabilities, increasing defense production, and preparing for the upcoming NATO Summit, which will discuss further assistance to Ukraine.

Russia is building up a group of more than 100,000 troops, and there is a possibility that by early summer they may have some forces to conduct offensive operations, according to the commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Bylstrom warned of a "prolonged" conflict with Russia, calling on the EU to provide long-term military and financial support to Ukraine.

President Zelenskyy discussed Ukraine's priority defense needs, strengthening NATO's coordinating role in support of Ukraine, and expectations for the upcoming NATO Summit with Admiral Bauer, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, during his visit to Ukraine.

According to NATO Admiral Rob Bauer, Ukraine needs new soldiers to compensate for losses in the army due to deaths and injuries, in addition to continued military assistance from NATO.

NATO Admiral Rob Bauer said that Russia's rhetoric on the use of nuclear weapons differs from reality, as there is no indication that Russia could use nuclear weapons.

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi met with a NATO delegation led by Admiral Rob Bauer, discussed the situation on the battlefield and Ukraine's key needs for ammunition and air defense, and thanked NATO for its support of Ukraine.

Estonian prime minister Kaya Kallas said that helping Ukraine defeat Russia could prevent World War III, calling for increased EU military assistance and defense spending.

During a meeting with Admiral Rob Bauer, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called for increased NATO support for Ukraine with lethal weapons and a return to the practice of conducting exercises in Ukraine.

According to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Ukraine needs more support, including ammunition, and it needs it now.

The NATO admiral calls for more aid to Ukraine, as Kyiv needs more support to succeed in fighting Russian aggression.

Russia's war against Ukraine has not achieved any of Putin's strategic goals, as Ukraine is fighting for democracy and civilization itself, fundamentally changing modern warfare.

Ukraine's arms industry is rapidly producing ammunition, military equipment, missiles, and other goods needed for warfare, and production is expected to increase sixfold in 2023.

Andriy Yermak and Jake Sullivan discussed the continued U. S. support for Ukraine in its war against Russia, preparations for the Global Peace Summit, and ensuring Ukraine's sovereignty, unity and ability to withstand future aggression with strong democratic institutions and a growing economy.

Ukraine expects to receive the first batch of shells under the Czech initiative to supply one million shells in April, which will provide critical ammunition to the battlefield.

Lithuania allocates 35 million euros for the purchase of ammunition for Ukraine as part of the EU's ammunition initiative.

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall, believes that Europe should create its own version of the Israeli Iron Dome air defense system.

NATO allies provide 99% of military assistance to Ukraine, but the situation at the front remains difficult, so support must be strengthened, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said.

Ukraine faces difficulties in acquiring Soviet-era ammunition directly from Balkan countries due to Russian influence and domestic legislation, so it relies on intermediary countries such as EU members or the United States to purchase such ammunition.

The EU Council has decided to allocate an additional 5 billion euros for military support to Ukraine under the European Peace Fund, the Foreign Ministry reports.

With American aid blocked, Western production slowing down, and stockpiles in Ukraine dwindling, the Czech Republic is using Cold War contacts to purchase ammunition for Ukraine from countries allied with Moscow.

Former President Trump said he would negotiate a deal with Russia to prevent further invasion of Ukraine, claiming, that Putin would not have dared attack if Trump were president, while criticising NATO allies for not paying their fair share.

Work has begun in Romania on the creation of the largest NATO military base in Europe, a 2. 5 billion euro project covering 2,800 hectares and capable of housing up to 10,000 NATO soldiers and their families, with facilities such as runways, hangars, schools, shops and a hospital.

Zelensky said that this war decides whether Putin will be able to expand the zone of ruins in Europe and the world, thanked Ukrainian soldiers in the Kupiansk, Lyman, Orikhiv directions and noted the assistance of the United States, Denmark, Germany, Canada and other countries that support Ukraine's defense.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Denmark for its solidarity with Ukraine. It is noted that Denmark is the first Scandinavian country to sign a security agreement with Ukraine.

Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Ihor Zhovkva said that the issue of sending troops from other countries to Ukraine is not currently being discussed, but it could be considered in the event of an escalation of Russian aggression and a collective decision by NATO member states to send troops.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani warned that the deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine would increase the risk of World War III, ruling out the possibility of sending Italian troops to help Kyiv against a Russian invasion.

Greece will supply Ukraine with weapons and ammunition purchased in the Czech Republic and transferred directly to Ukraine.