NATO to increase production of weapons for Ukraine and its stockpiles

U.S. Ambassador to NATO Julian Smith said that the Alliance will increase the production of ammunition for both Ukraine and NATO member states that have transferred a significant portion of their weapons to Ukraine.

This was reported by Ukrinform with reference to the Voice of America.

"We have seen cases when NATO allies provided Ukrainians with everything they could bilaterally, which created a certain shortage in their own stocks. So NATO has started working on what we call a defense production action plan, focusing on the shortage of ammunition for both the Ukrainians and some of the NATO members that have been assisting Ukraine, which has led to their own shortages," Smith said.

According to her, the alliance is focusing on strengthening ties with the private sector to try to speed up production lines of defense products.

The ambassador emphasized that the support for Ukraine by all 31 NATO allies is "ironclad and it is not fading."

"The question we hear around the NATO table is what more can we do for our friends in Ukraine. We share a commitment to support Ukraine. We understand what is at stake. Ukraine is not just defending its territory. Ukraine is defending the values that all of us here are defending," Smith said.

According to her, none of the allies proposed to reduce aid to Ukraine.

Smith also emphasized the significant role of the European Union in helping Ukraine.

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 28/09/2023