**Unfulfilled Promises: Zelensky Pushes for Timely NATO Support**
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed concerns about the slow implementation of key commitments made by NATO at its July summit in Washington. In a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on November 27, Zelensky emphasized the need for timely delivery of promised air defense systems and other military support.
**Air Defense Systems and Funding**
The Ukrainian leader pointed out that the lack of progress on these commitments has significantly affected the motivation and morale of the country’s people. He urged NATO partners to provide specific air defense systems that are readily available, citing Russia’s use of new ballistic missiles as a pressing concern.
**Strengthening Ties with Allies**
In addition to addressing the implementation of NATO commitments, Zelensky discussed strengthening Ukraine’s ties with the United States and other allies. He emphasized the importance of executing existing agreements and advancing efforts for Ukraine’s eventual invitation to join NATO.
**Ukraine’s Path to Membership**
Although Ukraine did not receive a firm commitment to join NATO at this year’s summit, the 32 allied countries declared Ukraine’s path to membership “irreversible”. Along with air defense systems, Ukraine was promised $43 billion in funding, a NATO representative in Kyiv, and new bilateral security agreements.
**Regional Security Concerns**
Defense Minister Rustem Umerov expressed concerns about the growing military ties between Russia and North Korea during his visit to South Korea. He noted that these actions pose a serious threat to regional security, particularly for the Republic of Korea.
**Domestic Progress and International Support**
Ukraine has made progress in creating equipment that meets modern battlefield needs, as demonstrated by its Oncilla–Shturm armored vehicle. The country also received a $4.8 billion loan from the World Bank through the PEACE project, and Ukrainian drones and missiles attacked Sevastopol in occupied Crimea on November 27.
**Humanitarian Crisis**
The full-scale war has resulted in an estimated 60,000 to 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed, with 400,000 more too injured to fight. MOAS’s team of all-Ukrainian medics has been evacuating critically injured troops during the three years of the conflict, saving 62,000 lives.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry barred 30 U.K. nationals from entering its territory in response to Western sanctions on Russian banks. The U.S. imposed sanctions on 50 Russian banks, including Gazprombank, causing a significant drop in Russia’s ruble value against the U.S. dollar.