"It's very important that there are priorities. There are air defence systems. These are not just basic words. These are very concrete things and we need them," Zelenskyy said on arrival, insisting that long-range missiles were just as essential. He also called for more ammunition, making for the three types of military aid he was looking for

The US is hosting a meeting of the Ukraine contact group to seek more weapons and ammunition for the war-ravaged country. NATO allies and partner countries will be waiting to hear precisely what kinds of military equipment Kyiv needs

Following that meeting, the 31 allies and Ukraine will take part in the first NATO-Ukraine Council at this level. The forum was formally established in July as part of efforts to bring Kyiv closer to the alliance. It allows NATO and Kyiv to discuss issues of common interest and concern

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters travelling with him to Brussels that a number of allies will announce they are sending additional weapons and other support to Kyiv. A key demand has been more air defence systems and munitions

The meeting comes as Ukraine is desperately seeking more weapons to help its troops regain ground from Russian forces before the muddy weather sets in. But political chaos in Congress and divisions over continued Ukraine funding combined with new pressure to provide US weapons to Israel fuel uncertainty and will likely dominate many of the conversations

According to a US official, the new package of U.S. aid includes AIM-9M missiles for air defense

According to a US official, the new package of U.S. aid also includes, counter-drone systems, munitions for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), artillery, electronic warfare equipment, demolition munitions, anti-armour systems and more than 16 million rounds of small arms ammunition

The weapons are provided under presidential drawdown authority, so will be taken from Pentagon stocks and delivered quickly to the battlefield

The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the aid before the official announcement