Key Takeaways:
– Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to visit Scranton Army Ammunition Plant in Pennsylvania, a facility crucial for supplying munitions in Ukraine’s standoff against Russian forces.
– President Zelenskyy’s US trip includes addressing the UN General Assembly and meeting President Biden and VP Harris in Washington.
– The Scranton plant notably manufactures 155 mm artillery shells, a vital ammunition in the ongoing conflict.
– Zelenskyy’s visit comes amid calls for the US to grant Ukraine permission to use long-range missile systems.
– The US has upped the production of the 155 mm rounds in response to Ukraine’s consumption rate and potential future military needs.
Zelenskyy’s Show of Appreciation
Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, will visit the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant in Pennsylvania on Sunday. The Pennsylvania facility is a key producer of critically needed munitions for Ukraine’s continuing battle against Russian incursions. President Zelenskyy’s visit is set to recognize and thank workers who have ramped up production of 155 mm artillery shells, vital weaponry in Ukraine’s defense strategy.
A Busy Week in America
The Scranton plant visit forms part of a packed week for Zelenskyy in the U.S., during which he aims to strengthen support for his country amidst the escalating conflict. According to anonymous U.S. officials and a third source, Zelenskyy will address the UN General Assembly in New York. Additionally, a meeting is scheduled for Thursday with President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington.
Impact of the Scranton Plant
The Scranton facility plays a unique role as one of the few in America producing 155 mm artillery shells, utilized in long-barrel howitzer systems. These towed guns are capable of hitting targets from a protected distance of up to 20 miles (32 kilometers), making them a crucial tool for ground forces. Ukraine has reportedly received over 3 million 155 mm shells from the U.S.
Call for Expanded Munitions Access
Amidst this engagement, Zelenskyy continues advocating for the U.S. to provision the use of longer-range missile systems, aiming to broaden Ukraine’s strike range well within Russian territory. Despite such requests, the Pentagon and White House persistently express reservations about the strategic implications of a U.S.-made missile potentially hitting the Russian capital.
Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has furthermore cautioned that if Ukraine is allowed the use of long-range weaponry, it may trigger a broader conflict between Russia, the U.S., and its NATO allies.
Response to Demand and U.S. Contribution
In the height of the conflict, Ukraine faced a staggering rate of 6,000 to 8,000 155 mm shells consumption daily. This rate threatened to drain U.S. reserves, causing concerns regarding the sustainability of U.S. military requirements in case of another major conflict. As a remedy, America initiated the revival of production lines, targeting to produce more than 100,000 155 mm rounds monthly.
The U.S. support extends beyond ammunition, including missile systems, air defense mechanisms, advanced weapons systems, and even the delivery of F-16 fighter jets. Its contribution to Ukraine surpasses $56 billion, making it the top contributor towards Ukraine’s $106 billion defense aid collected from NATO and partner countries.
Even as Ukraine isn’t a formal NATO member, European countries see defending it as a crucial deterrent against a likely larger conflict fuelled by Putin’s potential military aggression against neighboring NATO-member states.