UK Foreign Secretary Urges Allies to Ramp Up Arms Production for Ukraine
U.K. Foreign Secretary David Cameron has called on NATO members to increase weapons production to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia, according to a report from The Telegraph. Cameron made the plea during a private session at a NATO meeting in Brussels, where he emphasized the importance of using the combined economic strength of the 31 allied countries to outlast Moscow.
Cameron suggested that NATO countries should enter into multi-year, multi-country deals with arms manufacturers to meet Ukraine’s needs for the next two years. The meeting was held as concerns grew over the diminishing aid for Ukraine, coinciding with Russia’s escalating arms production and preparations for a prolonged war.
There are mounting doubts that the EU will be able to fulfill its promise of supplying Kyiv with 1 million shells by March 2024. In addition, political infighting in Congress is stalling further U.S. support for Ukraine.
Reflecting on his recent visit to Ukraine, Cameron stated, Two weeks ago, I was in Ukraine saying we need to do everything we could to help the Ukrainians repel this appalling aggression by Putin. I’ll be building consensus for that view here at NATO.
The NATO meeting was attended by Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on November 29. Following a discussion with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, both officials agreed that there is a need for coordination within the Western defense industry to increase arms supplies for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Latvian President Egils Levits has suggested that the EU should prioritize ammunition procurement for Ukraine over other countries, indicating a growing support for Ukraine within the bloc.
As the situation in Ukraine remains tense, the call to ramp up arms production highlights the urgency and importance of supporting Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression. With the EU and U.S. facing challenges in fulfilling their aid commitments, NATO’s collective effort and coordination in meeting Ukraine’s weapons requirements becomes crucial.
It remains to be seen how NATO members will respond to Cameron’s plea, but as the conflict in Ukraine continues, the need for increased arms production becomes ever more apparent.
