Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to visit the Pennsylvania ammunition factory on Sunday, where crucial munitions for Ukraine’s battle against Russian forces are being produced. The visit to Scranton Army Ammunition Plant kicks off a week in the United States, during which Zelenskyy will seek support for Ukraine in the war. He is slated to address the U.N. General Assembly in New York and hold talks in Washington with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris later in the week.
The Scranton plant is a key facility in the country for manufacturing 155 mm artillery shells used in howitzer systems, with the ability to strike targets up to 15 to 20 miles away. Ukraine has already received over 3 million of these shells from the U.S. Zelenskyy is urging permission from the U.S. to use longer-range missile systems to target deeper inside Russia, a request that has not yet been granted due to strategic concerns.
Despite pressure from Zelenskyy, the Pentagon and White House have not relaxed restrictions on the use of long-range weapons for Ukraine. The Pentagon has expressed caution about the implications of U.S.-made missiles potentially reaching Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned of consequences if Ukraine is allowed to utilize long-range weapons.
The U.S. has upped its production of 155 mm rounds due to the high demand during the conflict. Zelenskyy is expected to meet and express gratitude to workers for their increased production efforts. The U.S. has been a major donor of various ammunition, missiles, air defense, and advanced weapons systems to Ukraine, totaling more than $56 billion of the $106 billion collected by NATO and partner countries to support Ukraine’s defense.
While Ukraine is not a NATO member, many European nations view supporting its defense as crucial to deterring further aggression from Putin that could endanger neighboring NATO countries and escalate into a larger conflict. Multiple Pentagon officials and the Pennsylvania Governor are expected to be present during Zelenskyy’s visit to the ammunition plant.
