President Zelenskyy of Ukraine is requesting additional assistance in combating Russia during the NATO defense ministers meeting.

BRUSSELS (AP) — For the first time, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined a meeting of more than 50 defense leaders from around the world Wednesday to make a personal pitch for military aid, in the face of lagging political support in the U.S. and new pressure on allies to send weapons to bolster Israel’s war with Hamas.

His presence underscored growing concerns about cracks in what has been staunch international backing for Kyiv in its war against Russia’s invasion and worries that Ukrainian forces haven’t made measurable progress in the counteroffensive, as winter closes in.

“I cannot reword”

The meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, hosted by the U.S., comes as Ukraine is desperately seeking more weapons to help its troops regain ground from Russian forces before the muddy weather sets in. But political chaos in Congress stalled approval of new Ukraine funding, and there has been growing opposition among some lawmakers to any increase in spending.

As he arrived at NATO headquarters, Zelenskyy acknowledged the conflict in Israel and expressed that Ukrainians can empathize with such a tragedy. However, he promptly emphasized Ukraine’s continuous requirement for air defense systems and long-range missiles with the intention of removing Russia from their territory.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters traveling with him to Brussels that support for Ukraine continues unabated. He said a number of allies will announce they are sending additional weapons and other support to Kyiv. A key demand has been more air defense systems and munitions.

“I believe the energy is still present,” Austin stated. “I want to assure them that we are still dedicated to this.”

He reiterated those ideas when he commenced the meeting, stating that Ukraine is steadily advancing in the war. Additionally, he mentioned that the allies in this gathering will not only concentrate on addressing Kyiv’s immediate requirements but also on devising strategies to synchronize investments in Ukraine’s future military power.

The contact group serves as the primary platform for discussing and obtaining support in terms of weapons, equipment, and training for Kyiv’s war efforts. It convenes approximately once a month, both physically and virtually, and this marks the 16th meeting.

Upon entering the building, Zelenskyy received applause and promptly engaged in a private meeting with Austin and U.S. Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, who serves as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Zelenskyy restated his country’s requirement for missiles and ammunition during his conversation with reporters upon arrival.

Zelenskyy emphasized the significance of having priorities, particularly in terms of air defense systems. He stressed that these are not mere abstract concepts, but rather tangible necessities.

After the meeting, the first NATO-Ukraine Council at this level will involve the 31 allies and Ukraine. This forum was officially created in July with the aim of strengthening the relationship between Kyiv and the alliance. It provides a platform for NATO and Kyiv to address shared interests and concerns.

The latest U.S. aid package consists of various military supplies such as AIM-9M missiles for defending against air attacks, counter-drone systems, ammunition for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), artillery weapons, electronic warfare equipment, explosives for demolition purposes, anti-armor systems, and over 16 million rounds of ammunition for small firearms.

The weapons will be obtained from the Pentagon’s inventory and swiftly delivered to the battlefield, as authorized by the president’s drawdown authority.