**Ukraine Warns US: Delaying Military Aid Will Prolong War**
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has met with the US Charge d’Affaires, John Ginkel, to discuss concerns about delayed military aid. The meeting came after reports that the Pentagon had paused some shipments of weapons to Ukraine.
According to the Foreign Ministry’s statement, Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa warned that any delay in supporting Ukraine’s defense capabilities will only encourage Russia to continue its war efforts. She emphasized that “any delay or hesitation” in providing aid will lead to more violence and instability.
The meeting took place amid reports of a review by the US Defense Department, which had paused shipments of critical military equipment, including Patriot air defense missiles, precision artillery rounds, Hellfire missiles, and other munitions used by Ukraine’s F-16 fighter jets. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly later confirmed that the decision was made to prioritize American interests.
**Ukraine Stresses Importance of Continued Aid**
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry did not explicitly confirm the pause in its statement but emphasized the critical importance of continued deliveries, particularly air defenses. Parliamentary defense committee member Fedir Venislavskyi also expressed concerns about restrictions on the supply of vital resources, saying that any limitations would be “undoubtedly negative.”
**Russia Intensifies Aerial Attacks and Ground Offensives**
The meeting coincided with a surge in Russia’s aerial attacks and ground offensives against Ukraine. Russia launched a record 5,337 Shahed-type attack drones at Ukrainian targets in June, the highest monthly total since the start of the full-scale invasion.
**Ukraine Supports Peace Efforts**
In its statement, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stressed that Ukraine supports peace efforts and supports US calls for an immediate end to the killings and war. The ministry emphasized the need to compel Russia to seek peace and strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities through coordinated transatlantic pressure on Russia.
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