Shmyhal made a direct request to Austin for fighter jets and longer-range missiles from the United States to aid Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.

This request aligns with Ukraine's previous appeals for advanced military equipment.

“We will win this war. But to achieve it faster and with fewer casualties, Ukraine still needs intensive military support, more air defense systems that minimize the impact of Russian air strikes, more heavy artillery, mortars and ammunition for them,” Shmyhal said at the top of their meeting at the Pentagon. “We also ask you for reconsider the possibility of providing Ukraine with long-range -- longer-range missiles."

“To defend ourselves and defend Europe, we need more heavy equipment but also aircraft. We sincerely applaud the decision of the U.S. to join the tank coalition and supplying us with Abrams tanks but also to provide Bradley and Stryker infantry fighting vehicles. For our counterattack to be successful, we require an increase in such supplies,” he said. (ILKHA)