The Ukrainian president said he was worried that the crisis between Israel and Hamas could undermine US support for Ukraine. He called on allies to protect the Israeli people in the same way they protect Ukrainians.
(DW) Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski urged allied countries in the West to increase arms aid to the country so that it can “survive the winter”, which begins in December in the northern hemisphere.
On his first visit to the headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Brussels since the beginning of the Russian invasion of his country, Zelenski called for reinforcements in anti-aircraft defense, as well as long-range missiles and ammunition. He expressed fears that the conflict between Israel and the radical Islamist group Hamas could shake up US support for Ukraine.
“Surviving the next winter is of great importance to us,” he said, alongside NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, before a conference of countries supporting Ukraine. “We have prepared, we are ready. Now we need the support of the leaders, and that’s why I’m here today,” said the Ukrainian.
He explained that this support is essential to protect the country’s infrastructure, food exports and the lives of Ukrainian civilians.
The US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, announced that a new shipment of weapons worth 200 million dollars, including anti-aircraft missiles, would be sent to Kiev to help the Ukrainians withstand the heavy Russian winter offensive that is expected in the coming months.
US pledges continued support
“The United States will stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes,” said Austin at the meeting with Zelenski. This was the first US package sent since the start of the crisis in the US Congress, which has led to questions about the ability of President Joe Biden’s administration to continue providing the aid that Kiev so desperately needs to counter Russia’s invasion of its territory.
Zelenski said he was concerned that the current crisis in Israel could divert attention from the war started by Russian President Vladimir Putin in Ukraine, which has now lasted almost 600 days. “Who knows what it will be like? I don’t think anyone knows,” he said.
Austin, however, assured that the US will not lose its ability to devote resources to various crises in different regions. “We will stand firmly by Israel and continue to support Ukraine,” he said. The scale of US military support for Kiev is equal to the total aid sent by NATO allies together with Canada.
“Protect the Israelis,” says Zelenski
Zelenski called on the Western allies to protect the Israeli people in the same way as they did Ukraine, to show them that they are not alone.
“Terrorists like Putin or Hamas want to take free and democratic nations hostage and want power over those who seek freedom,” said Zelenski. “The terrorists will not change. They must be defeated.”
Western diplomats at NATO assured that arms supplies to Ukraine are not under threat. “We must continue to increase and keep stable the flow of arms and ammunition,” Stoltenberg told the allies.
Ukraine is trying to move closer to joining NATO in order to strengthen its security in the face of Russian ambitions. The alliance has simplified the process for Ukrainian entry, but has not offered a clear invitation to the country, nor has it set a deadline for this to happen.
rc (AFP, DPA)