In talks with the U.S. military chief, Ukraine’s top general lists ‘urgent requirements’

KYIV (Reuters – Ukraine’s top general stated that he had explained the “urgent needs” of his armed force on Tuesday during a first meeting with General Mark Milley of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Ukraine seeks to acquire a fleet modern battle tank from Western countries. This will allow it to defeat Russian forces that invaded Ukraine last February and seized large swathes in the south and west.

General Valeriy Zaluzhnyi stated in a Telegram statement that “I highlighted the urgent needs of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, the fulfillment of which will accelerate Victory.”

Zaluzhnyi, in a December interview with The Economist, stated that he needed 300 tanks and 600-700 infantry fighting vehicle to help his forces defeat the invaders.

“I know I can defeat this enemy.” He added, “But I need to have resources.”

The United States has been the most significant supplier of military support to Kyiv in the conflict.

The Western allies will meet at an American airbase in Germany Friday to pledge military support to Ukraine. They will also discuss proposals for modern battle tanks.

German-made Leopard tank are the most likely to be sent in large numbers by armies around Europe. However, they can’t be reexported to Ukraine without Berlin’s permission.

Zaluzhnyi expressed gratitude to Milley for the “unwavering support and assistance provided in Ukraine by the United States of America”

(Reporting by Tom Balmforth, Max Hunder; Editing By Jon Boyle & Gareth Jones