NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday said Ukraine "simply cannot wait" for more air defences as Kyiv pleads with Western allies to step up deliveries to stave off Russia's attacks.
"Delays in delivery of air defences will allow Russian missiles to hit more targets and delays in delivery of ammunition will allow Russia to press along the front line," Stoltenberg said.
"Ukraine simply cannot wait. It needs air defences, ammunition and aid now."
NATO countries last week promised they would look into their inventories after Kyiv begged for more Patriot air defence systems capable of shooting down Russian ballistic missiles.
Moscow has ramped up its aerial bombardments on Ukraine's infrastructure in recent weeks, with President Volodymyr Zelensky saying the Kremlin was aiming to drive people from second city Kharkiv.
Kyiv's desperate appeals for new support come as its outgunned forces are struggling to hold back Russia's military along the front line.
More than two years into Russia's war, support from Ukraine's Western allies has faltered.
Europe is struggling to generate enough weaponry and US aid is blocked by political wrangling in Congress.
Washington said Tuesday it has agreed to sell $138 million worth of urgently needed military equipment to Ukraine to repair and upgrade its HAWK missile systems while a larger $60 billion aid package remains stalled.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Featured Video Of The Day
US Urges India To "Utilize" Ties With Russia, Tell Putin To End Ukraine War Russia Should Attend Second Ukraine Summit, Says Zelensky Amid Raging War Russian, US Defence Chiefs Discuss Lowering Escalation Over Phone Call What Trump Rally Shooter Did On Last Day Of His Life "Someone Must Have Doubted...": Doctor On Trainee IAS Officer's Disability Claim Trump's Vice President Pick Reveals How His Hindu Wife Helped Him Mumbai BMW Hit-And-Run Accused Mihir Shah Sent To Jail For 14 Days Try These Dairy-Free Foods To Help Boost Your Calcium 'Godman' Illegally Builds Temple Near Sacred Lake In Uttarakhand, Probe On Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.