SCRANTON, Pa. — In a highly secure setting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the Pennsylvania ammunition factory on Sunday, which is crucial to producing munitions vital for Ukraine’s ongoing defense against Russian forces.
Rep. Matt Cartwright highlighted Zelenskyy’s main message during their meeting: “Thank you. And we need more.”
The Scranton Army Ammunition Plant is among the few U.S. facilities manufacturing 155 mm artillery shells and has ramped up production over the past year. Ukraine has already received over 3 million of these shells from the United States.
Zelenskyy’s visit marks the beginning of a pivotal week in the U.S., as he seeks to bolster support for Ukraine amid the war. He is scheduled to address the U.N. General Assembly in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday before traveling to Washington for discussions with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
The area surrounding the ammunition plant was under heavy security, with roadblocks established and a significant police presence, including officers on horseback.
Supporters waving Ukrainian flags gathered nearby to show their appreciation as Zelenskyy’s motorcade arrived. Vera Kowal Krewson, a first-generation Ukrainian American, expressed her thoughts, stating, “It’s unfortunate that we need a plant like this, but it’s here, and it’s here to protect the world.”
Krewson shared that many of her friends’ parents worked at the facility, calling Zelenskyy’s stop a “wonderful thing.”
Laryssa Salak, another attendee, expressed her support for Zelenskyy’s gratitude towards the factory workers. She lamented the division among Americans regarding funding support for Ukraine, explaining that the financial aid ultimately benefits American jobs by supporting domestic production.
The 155 mm shells produced at the Scranton plant are utilized in howitzer systems, which strike targets from significant distances—up to 20 miles. As the war approaches its third year, Zelenskyy is advocating for longer-range missile systems to expand Ukraine’s strike capabilities.
To date, the Pentagon has maintained restrictions on these advanced weapons, emphasizing Ukraine’s existing capabilities. The Defense Department acknowledges the potential risks of U.S.-made missiles targeting Russia.
While Ukraine previously fired between 6,000 and 8,000 155 mm shells daily, the depletion of stockpiles raised concerns about U.S. military readiness. In a proactive response, production lines have been reopened, with current output exceeding 40,000 rounds per month, targeting an increase to 100,000 rounds monthly.
Key Pentagon leaders, including Doug Bush and Bill LaPlante, were expected to accompany Zelenskyy during his visit, alongside Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.
The provision of the 155 mm rounds reflects just a fraction of the extensive military support the U.S. has granted Ukraine, which totals over $56 billion—leading global efforts to aid Ukraine amidst the conflict.
While Ukraine is not a NATO member, many European nations see protecting it as crucial to preventing further Russian aggression that could destabilize bordering NATO countries and escalate into a broader conflict.
