Ukraine’s Zelensky says he ordered intensified contacts with US for deliveries of arms
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) and US President Donald Trump attending a meeting on the sidelines of the Nato summit in The Hague, Netherlands, on June 25.
PHOTO: EPA
Follow topic:
- Zelensky ordered increased US contact to secure military supplies, prioritising air defence to protect Ukrainian citizens and positions.
- The US Defence Department will send more defensive weapons to Ukraine, aiming to help them defend against Russian air strikes amid peace efforts.
- Trump expressed disappointment over the lack of a ceasefire and is considering further sanctions against Moscow.
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KYIV – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on July 8 that he ordered an expansion of contacts with the US to ensure critical deliveries of military supplies, primarily air defence.
Mr Zelensky issued his call a day after US President Donald Trump said Washington would send more weapons
“Today, I instructed the minister of defence and the commander-in-chief to intensify all contacts with the American side,” Mr Zelensky said in his nightly video address.
“We currently have all the necessary political statements and decisions, and we must implement them as quickly as possible to protect our people and positions,” he added.
He said the current focus for deliveries was on “air defence, as well as other elements of supply from the US”.
“These are critical deliveries that mean saving lives and protecting Ukrainian cities and villages. I expect results from these contacts very soon. And this week, we are preparing formats for meetings of our military and political teams.”
The US Defence Department said it would send additional defensive weapons to Ukraine at Mr Trump’s direction, to ensure Ukrainians can defend themselves while efforts continue to secure a lasting peace.
The US decision to halt some arms shipments to Kyiv prompted Ukraine to warn the move would crimp its ability to fend off Russia’s air strikes and battlefield advances.
Russia’s military has in recent weeks boosted air attacks on Ukrainian cities by drones and missiles.
Mr Trump on July 8 again expressed disappointment at Russian President Vladimir Putin over the failure to introduce a ceasefire as part of moves to secure a peace. The US leader said he was considering additional sanctions on Moscow. REUTERS
