U.S. speeds licensing for gun, ammunition shipments to Ukraine

One of the first pieces of body armor Texas marketing executive Bret Starr is shipping to colleagues in Lviv, Ukraine, who have asked for helmets and bullet proof vests as they plan to defend their country from Russia's invasion, is seen in this handout picture taken March 6, 2022. Picture taken March 6, 2022. Bret Starr/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. MANDATORY CREDIT

(Reuters) - The United States is rapidly processing requests from Americans to export firearms and ammunition to Ukraine, the U.S. Commerce Department said on Wednesday.

Americans are collecting weapons for Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on his citizens to defend the country from invading Russian forces and promised to arm them.