NATO's support for Ukraine must match Putin's escalation – UK Defense Secretary
Photo: John Healey, UK Defense Secretary (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
NATO countries should provide aid to Ukraine based on the level of escalation from Russian leader Vladimir Putin, stated UK Defense Secretary John Healy, according to Sky News.
"Our support must match Putin's escalation, and our role as the nations within the UDCG is to guarantee Ukraine's strength," Healy stated.
He noted that this year, the United Kingdom is spending more on military aid to Ukraine than ever before. In particular, over the past six months, the country has supplied Ukrainian defenders with 85,000 drones.
"We are ramping up pressure on Putin, both military and economic, and the UK today has confirmed 92 new sanctions on Russia's energy sector, oil companies and military supply chain," the UK Defense Secretary noted.
According to him, a safe Europe requires a strong Ukraine. But Putin's aggression is already spreading beyond Ukraine's borders.
"And he (Putin - ed.) should be in no doubt that if NATO is threatened, we will act. He should be in no doubt. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes," Healy emphasized.
Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure
Russian President Vladimir Putin is once again using the cold season as a weapon in his war against Ukraine.
As temperatures drop, Russian forces have intensified attacks on Ukraine's energy facilities and launched a series of strikes on gas infrastructure.
Power outages are being reported across the country. In particular, on the evening of October 15, emergency blackouts were in effect in all Ukrainian regions except two.
