It comes as Kyiv calls for a significant increase in arms to help hold Russian troops in eastern Ukraine. Presidential Adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said Monday that Ukraine needed 1,000 shells, 500 tanks and 1,000 drones, among other heavy weapons. Western countries have promised NATO-standard weapons – including advanced US missiles. But their development takes time, and Ukraine will require consistent Western support to transition to new supplies and systems as stockpiles of Soviet-era weapons and ammunition dwindle. “Russia has not given up the fight, despite its rather anemic progress. What we have is this tough, slow, gradual Russian operation,” said a senior US defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “So the question is, what do the Ukrainians need to continue the success they have already seen in slowing down and thwarting this Russian goal, and that will be an important focus for the defense ministers.” US officials expect further announcements of additional arms deliveries to Ukraine in the coming days.
