US general warns time running out for Ukraine without US aid
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United States General Christopher Cavoli said that Russia was currently firing five artillery shells for every one fired by Ukrainian forces.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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WASHINGTON – The top United States general in Europe told Congress on April 10 that Ukraine will run out of artillery shells and air defence interceptors "in fairly short order" without US support, leaving the country vulnerable to a partial or total defeat.
In a sign of how scarce some weapons were, General Christopher Cavoli, commander of European Command, told the House Armed Services Committee that Russia was currently firing five artillery shells for every one fired by Ukrainian forces and that disparity could increase in coming weeks to 10 to one.
"If one side can shoot and the other side can't shoot back, the side that can't shoot back loses. So the stakes are very high," Gen Cavoli said.
"They're really dependent this year on us, Mr Chairman. And without our support, they will not be able to prevail."
Republican House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson is refusing to call a vote on a Bill that would provide US$60 billion (S$81.2 billion) more for Ukraine.
The White House is scrambling to find ways to send assistance to Kyiv, which has been battling Russian forces for more than two years.
Russian air strikes on Ukraine's north-eastern Kharkiv region on April 10 afternoon hit a clinic and a pharmacy, killing at least three people.
Russian attacks have long targeted Kharkiv and the surrounding region, but the strikes have grown more intense in recent weeks, hitting civilian and energy infrastructure.
US President Joe Biden's administration has voiced concern about the lack of funding for Ukraine. In March, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin warned that Ukraine's survival was in danger and sought to convince allies that the US was committed to Kyiv.
Officials say the lack of funding is already having an impact on the ground in Ukraine, where Russian troops are advancing, and Ukrainian forces must manage limited resources.
European support has become more important, with Mr Biden struggling to get a big Ukraine aid package through Congress
Yet, US officials say European support for Ukraine will not be enough. REUTERS
