The NATO chief promised more support was on the way during an unannounced visit to Kyiv. It came as Russia claimed it had captured an eastern village in the Donetsk region.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg acknowledged the “serious delays” in the military alliance’s aid deliveries to Ukraine, saying they had “serious consequences on the battlefield.”

Stoltenberg was in Kyiv on Monday, where he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the country prepared to receive crucial US weapons.

“NATO allies have not delivered what they promised,” Stoltenberg said. “The lack of ammunition has allowed the Russians to push forward along the front line. Lack of air defense has made it possible for more Russian missiles to hit their targets, and the lack of deep strike capabilities has made it possible for the Russians to concentrate more forces.” 

The NATO chief promised the alliance was “working hard to meet Ukraine’s urgent needs.” He also said it was “not too late” for Kyiv to win the war. 

Zelenskyy urged faster deliveries to bolster the front line.

“The Russian army is now trying to take advantage of the situation when we are expecting supplies from our partner,” the Ukrainian president said. “That is why promptness in supply literally means stabilization of the front line.” 

Zelenskyy called for “timely support” for the Ukrainian army.

“Today I don’t see anything positive on this point yet. There are supplies, they have slightly begun, this process needs to be sped up,” he said.

Zelenskyy said that US weapons were starting to trickle into the country, after the US passed a $61 billion (approximately €57 billion) aid package last week after months of congressional deadlock.

Source: Dw