Ukrainian Defense Minister Says Delayed Western Military Aid Is Costing Ukraine Lives

In a series of statements, Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has expressed concerns over the delayed delivery of military aid from Western partners. He emphasized that commitments do not equate to actual deliveries, which harms Ukraine and gives Russia an advantage in the ongoing conflict. Umerov stated that fifty percent of promised military support fails to arrive on time, resulting in Ukrainian troop losses. The shortage of ammunition puts Ukraine at a disadvantage "in the mathematics of war" against Russia. Germany's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius previously warned that plans to deliver one million artillery shells by March would not be met. European defense manufacturers are working to produce artillery and other weapons for Ukraine, but delays in their delivery have led to setbacks and deaths. The total cost of Russia's all-out attack on Ukraine is estimated to be around $150bn (€119bn).