Zelenskyy to Thank U.S. Workers for Boosting Ukraine's Essential 155 mm Shell Production

On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will pay a visit to the Pennsylvania ammunition factory responsible for producing vital munitions needed to counter Russian ground forces. His visit to the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant marks the beginning of a week dedicated to garnering support for Ukraine during the ongoing war. The president is expected to address the U.N. General Assembly in New York and engage in discussions with President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington on Thursday.

Scranton Army Ammunition Plant's Critical Role

The Scranton plant holds particular significance as one of the few facilities in the U.S. manufacturing 155 mm artillery shells. These shells are utilized in howitzer systems, which are large towed guns capable of striking targets at distances of 15 to 20 miles (24 to 32 kilometers). The importance of this equipment cannot be overstated, as it allows ground forces to engage enemy targets from a secure distance. To date, the U.S has supplied Ukraine with over 3 million of these 155 mm shells.

Zelenskyy's Push for Longer-Range Weapons

As the war enters its third year, President Zelenskyy has been advocating for the use of longer-range missile systems to execute strikes deeper within Russia. However, the Pentagon and the White House have so far resisted these demands. The Defense Department has pointed out that Ukraine possesses the capability to hit Moscow with domestically produced drones, which has contributed to the hesitance surrounding the strategic implications of a U.S.-made missile potentially targeting the Russian capital.

Russia's Response

In response to these developments, Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued warnings, stating that Russia would consider itself "at war" with the United States and its NATO allies if they allow Ukraine to deploy long-range weapons.

At one point during the conflict, Ukraine was firing between 6,000 and 8,000 155 mm shells daily. This rate raised concerns about depleting U.S. stockpiles and insufficient reserves to support U.S. military needs in the event of another major conventional conflict, such as a potential confrontation over Taiwan. In response to this situation, the U.S. has taken substantial steps.

U.S. Response and Production Increase

To address the demand, the U.S. has made significant investments in restarting production lines, resulting in the manufacture of over 40,000 155 mm rounds per month. Plans are in place to further increase this production to 100,000 rounds monthly.

During President Zelenskyy's visit, he isexpected to meet with and express gratitude to the workers at the plant who have significantly increased the production of 155 mm rounds over the past year. Additionally, two Pentagon leaders, Doug Bush, assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology, and Bill LaPlante, the Pentagon's top weapons buyer, are expected to join Zelenskyy at the plant, along with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.

U.S. Support and Aid to Ukraine

The 155 mm rounds represent just a fraction of the vast array of ammunition, missiles, air defense systems, and advanced weapons systems the U.S. has provided to Ukraine. The U.S. has been the largest donor to Ukraine, contributing over $56 billion of the more than $106 billion raised by NATO and partner countries to support Ukraine's defense efforts.

International Support and Commitment

Despite not being a NATO member, Ukraine's defense is seen by many European nations as a crucial measure to deter further military aggression from Putin, which could potentially threaten neighboring NATO member countries and escalate into a more extensive conflict.

President Zelenskyy's visit to the Pennsylvania ammunition factory and his engagements in New York and Washington highlight the ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression. The manufacturing of vital munitions and the provision of advanced weaponry underscore the international community's solidarity with Ukraine as it strives to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity despite not being a NATO member.