Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief and Defense Minister discussed front situation with US Commander in Europe

Commander of the US Armed Forces in Europe Christopher Cavoli (photo: Getty Images)

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi along with Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov held a phone conversation with the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Commander of the US Armed Forces in Europe General Christopher Cavoli, according to Syrskyi’s Telegram channel.

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine informed his colleague about the situation on the front lines and the urgent needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. They also discussed aspects of strengthening Ukraine’s air defense components.

“I thanked General Cavoli and all partners from NATO member countries for their assistance and active cooperation in the liberation of Ukrainian land from Russian occupiers,” Syrskyi wrote.

Visit of American senators to Ukraine

On Friday, February 23, the leader of the majority in the US Senate, Democrat Chuck Schumer, arrived in Ukraine with a delegation of senators. The American delegation was accompanied by US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink.

During the meeting with Schumer, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy briefed him on the situation on the battlefield.

Syrskyi and Umerov also met with the US senators’ delegation, during which they discussed the current situation on the battlefield, the latest changes in the theater of operations, and the needs of the Defense Forces in armaments.

Delay in US defense aid

On February 13, the US Senate approved a bill providing aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan totaling $95 billion. Specifically, over $61 billion was allocated for Ukraine.

For the bill to take effect, it must be approved by the US House of Representatives and signed by President Joe Biden.

However, on February 16, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson refused to bring the bill to a vote.

Congressmen went on recess until February 28, further delaying the provision of US aid to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.