US concerned about 'extremely difficult' situation on Ukraine frontline, NATO sets record military spending

On February 14, the US warned of a shortage of ammunition on the Ukrainian frontline. In another development, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) estimated that 18 of its 31 member states would meet their defense spending targets this year.

Mỹ thừa nhận tình hình 'cực kỳ khó khăn' ở tiền tuyến Ukraine, NATO chi tiêu quân sự kỷ lục

There are growing reports of Ukrainian troops being cut off from food rations and running out of ammunition on the front lines. (Source: AFP)

Speaking at a White House press conference, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said the Ukrainian army was starting to run out of ammunition, and he mentioned the freeze on Washington's aid package to Kiev due to the obstruction of Republicans in the House of Representatives.

Therefore, Mr. Sullivan called on the Republican-controlled US House of Representatives to follow the Senate's lead and quickly pass a multi-billion dollar aid package for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

“We cannot wait any longer,” Mr. Sullivan stressed. “Every day means more harm to the Ukrainian people and to U.S. national security interests. The stakes are higher. The cost of inaction is higher. We are receiving increasing reports of Ukrainian troops being short-fed or even running out of ammunition on the front lines.”

At the same time, the US National Security Advisor also emphasized that America's allies and opponents are "closely monitoring this development".

Earlier, on February 13, US President Joe Biden gave a televised speech calling on Republicans in the House of Representatives to pass a bill on an aid package for Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the new Commander of the Ukrainian army Oleksandr Syrsky on February 14 also admitted that the situation on the front line was extremely difficult due to delays in US military aid.

In another development, speaking to reporters ahead of the NATO defense ministers' meeting in Brussels (Belgium) on February 14, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced new estimates showing that the number of member countries meeting the defense spending target of 2% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to increase from 11 countries in 2023 to 18 countries in 2024. Thus, 18 out of 31 NATO member countries will meet the defense spending target this year.

According to Mr. Stoltenberg, this is a record number and a 6-fold increase compared to 2014 when only 3 members achieved this defense spending target.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said European allies and Canada will add more than $600 billion to their defense spending since they set a target of spending 2 percent of GDP on defense a decade ago. Last year, European members and Canada increased spending by an unprecedented 11 percent amid the escalating conflict in Ukraine.

Commenting on this information, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller affirmed the importance of increasing the number of members to meet military spending targets. He urged other countries to take the necessary steps towards this goal.

NATO defense ministers are scheduled to meet in Brussels on February 15 to discuss strengthening Europe’s defense capabilities. In addition to defense spending, support for Ukraine will also be on the agenda.

(according to DPA, AFP)

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