American Ambassador to NATO: The Number of Weapons the US Is Prepared to Provide to Ukraine Is Limited

American Ambassador to NATO Matthew Pottinger said that the number of weapons Ukraine may obtain from the US through Washington's European ally procurement framework is limited.

When asked in an interview with Bloomberg whether the US has set limits on the number of weapons provided to Kyiv, he said, "Yes, of course, there are limits."

According to Pottinger, the US intends to ensure that it does not fall into a vulnerable position and does not face a "strategic disadvantage" due to its insufficient military resources.

He added, "We supply the surplus materials we think we have... personnel at the Pentagon, especially generals who are responsible for many important projects, will assess and decide which materials we can sell to NATO allies, and they can then supply these materials to Ukraine."

He also said that the US European allies will procure not only defense systems but also shells, bullets, and other ammunition for Ukraine.

He said, "It is expected that things like shells, bullets, and ammunition will be included."

Pottinger also pointed out that the US intends to provide the weapons needed by the Ukrainian military for the battlefield within the European procurement framework, and added that he expects EU member states to make "a large number" of new statements regarding the purchase of weapons from Washington.

Previously, President Trump stated that the US and the EU had reached an agreement to transport US weapons to Kyiv, with the costs to be borne by Europe. This supply would include several "Patriot" missile systems, not just missiles.

Russia believes that providing weapons to Ukraine hinders the resolution of the situation, directly involving NATO members in the conflict, and is "playing with fire." Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov previously stated that any supplies containing weapons provided to Ukraine would become a legitimate target for Russia. The Kremlin previously stated that Western support for weapons to Ukraine is unhelpful for negotiations and has a negative impact.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1839579938621450/

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