Pentagon predicts heavy fighting in Ukraine in spring and summer

Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder said at a briefing.

"I think it's also important to kind of take a step back and look at the progress that has been made, while recognizing the fact that there still is a tough fight ahead, particularly as we go into the -- the spring and summer," he said.

Answering journalists' questions about the shortage of shells in Ukraine, the general assured that this problem remains in the focus of the international community's attention.

"We're continuing to do everything that we can to ensure that we're meeting Ukraine's needs, whether it's ammunition, whether it's air defense, armor. Tomorrow's discussion will be another opportunity to bring the international community together to focus on Ukraine's most urgent needs, to include ammunition. And so again, that will continue to be our focus," Ryder said.

He added that the United States will focus on working with partners and Ukraine to provide the Ukrainian Armed Forces with ammunition and deliver it to the front line as soon as possible.

• Earlier, Defense Minister Reznikov asked the EU to provide 250, thousand 155 mm caliber shells per month.