UK Defence Secretary Urges Ukraine to Show Gratitude for Weapons Donations
- Jul 13, 2023
- 1 min read
British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace urged Ukraine on Wednesday (Jul 12) to show appreciation for weapon donations from its international allies. Wallace stated this support was crucial in convincing Western politicians to continue their contributions, emphasizing that "whether we like it or not, people want to see gratitude."
Speaking on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Lithuania, Wallace referenced his visit to Ukraine last year where he was presented with a list of required weapons. He highlighted the need for Kyiv to acknowledge that its international allies are "not Amazon" and that support should not be taken for granted.
Wallace's comments were in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's recent complaints about the lack of a definite timeline for Ukraine's accession into NATO. However, Zelenskyy softened his stance on Wednesday, stating that the summit's outcomes were positive even without a formal invitation for Ukraine to join NATO. He also acknowledged receiving encouraging news regarding defence packages from allies.
When asked about Wallace's statements, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reiterated Zelenskyy's expressions of gratitude for the support received so far. Sunak mentioned that more assistance would be provided as necessary.
Sunak said at a press conference at the summit in Vilnius, "President Zelenskyy has expressed his gratitude for what we have done on a number of occasions." He added, "I completely understand Volodymyr's desire to do everything he can to protect his people and to stop this war, and we will continue to give him the support that he needs." London remains one of Kyiv's strongest supporters since Russia's invasion last year.
UK is doing a wonderful thing . One of the leading countries to step up to the plate , when they were needed . Thsnk you
I feel Ukrainian people are very glad we are all standing with them, let’s not mistake they are loosing people they love daily ,do you think the warm hugs we get at the start of most meetings is enough.
i can’t put yourself in there shoes for a minut.
So, the Limeys are looking for an ass-kissing session now? I'm pretty sure the Ukrainians have been expressing their undying gratitude for quite a while. Is a bowing and scraping ritual next?
There is an important point in Ben Wallace´s statement:
The top 3 supporters of Ukraine are USA, Germany and UK.
I do not know about UK. But there is real danger for Ukraine (and the hope for Putin),
that in the next elections in USA or Germany a party or candidate who wants to stop support for Ukraine, gets to much influence.
I believe most of the west countries have delivered on their commitments to Zelenskyy. The UK has gone the extra mile and be one of the first in delivering. This includes Tanks and long range missiles (storm cloud) othe countries in EU have dragged their feet and sometimes been a delaying process. I agree with Ben Wallace, it seems sometimes a shop list of demands. I get , if you don't asked you will not get and having to be forceful and passionate. But the politicians have to sell this commitment to their own electorate. Some EU countries are in recession or a cost of living crisis and £$ could be used at home.
I fully support Zelenskyy and Ukraine…