In collaboration with two unspecified NATO members, Ukraine has established robust production of 120mm mortar shells, defense contractor Ukrainian Armor said in a Facebook post on Aug. 22.
Despite more than two-thirds of NATO members supporting a path for Ukraine into the alliance, Ukraine got a flat no. The alliance’s decision at the 2023 Vilnius summit was both unsurprising and a disappointment. Opposition primarily from Washington and Berlin dashed any hopes of a clear invite for Ukraine, with only a pledge that Ukraine would join “when members agree and conditions are met.” The good news is that Ukraine and its friends have one year until the next summit to persuade U.S. President Joe Biden that Ukraine belongs in NATO.