Ukrainian MFA briefs U.S. Chargé d’Affaires on urgent need for defense assistance

The meeting focused on U.S. military assistance and defense cooperation amid Russia’s escalating aggression and acts of terror against Ukraine, Ukrinform reports, referring to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

According to the MFA, Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Mariana Betsa expressed gratitude to the United States for the support provided since Russia’s full-scale invasion began and emphasized the importance of continuing the delivery of previously allocated defense packages, especially focusing on strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses.

“The Ukrainian side emphasized that any delay or slowing down in supporting Ukraine’s defense capabilities would only encourage the aggressor to continue war and terror, rather than seek peace,” the MFA stressed.

The deputy minister recalled that Russia not only rejects the full and unconditional ceasefire that Ukraine agreed to on March 11, but also continues to escalate aerial attacks against Ukrainian cities and communities, killing civilians, and conducting battlefield assaults.

The MFA stressed that Ukraine supports peace efforts and the U.S. position on the immediate need to stop the killings and end the war, and highlights the need of forcing Russia to peace.

“In these circumstances, strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities and increasing coordinated transatlantic pressure on the aggressor are critically important,” the MFA said.

The MFA added that the parties discussed ongoing consultations at all levels regarding defense supplies and further contacts between Ukraine and the United States, which will help to find mutually beneficial solutions to strengthen our country’s defense capabilities and increase pressure on Russia to promote peace efforts.

As earlier reported by Ukrinform, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly confirmed that shipments of ammunition and missiles to Ukraine have been halted due to the depletion of U.S. stockpiles in recent years.