Ukrainian Foreign Minister details specific Western support Ukraine expects
Photo: Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine is counting on specific decisions from Western allies that could assist in its war against Russia. This includes long-range strikes, the downing of Russian drones and missiles, bolstering defense capabilities, and supplying air defense systems, said Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha during a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.
"Western assistance from our closest allies is not about charity; it is an investment in our collective transatlantic security. It is very important that the necessary steps are taken promptly so that we do not lose our territories or our people, and so we can become self-sufficient in certain areas," Sybiha said.
Therefore, in his opinion, it is important to convert these decisions into specific actions.
"They are very clear, and we communicate them daily to the capitals of our allies," he noted.
The first decision, according to Sybiha, is to lift any restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons against military targets within Russia, as "it is our just right."
"The second is the downing of Russian drones and missiles over Ukraine with the air defense systems of neighboring countries. Russia is provoking and testing the reaction of NATO countries and its systems. Our proposal and call is to finally make this decision," the Foreign Minister added.
The next step, according to the Minister, involves assistance in enhancing Ukraine's defensive capabilities and defense industry.
"This has been stated repeatedly, but I will reiterate: since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has been able to increase its production of various types of weapons sixfold. This is also about time and saving allies' funds, as scaling our production will help us become stronger and more self-sufficient while conserving the resources of our allies," Sybiha explained.
He also stressed that air defense systems remain a fundamental priority for Ukraine.
"Air defense systems are needed to protect our major cities and nuclear facilities on the territory of Ukraine. I would remind you that we have evidence that Russia is preparing strikes against nuclear infrastructure, so we must protect these sites, and the world must respond firmly to prevent this," the Foreign Minister emphasized.
Earlier, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated that the potential involvement of North Korean military forces in Russia's war against Ukraine could lead to new forms of support for Kyiv from Western partners.
