One-time help from the West will not stop the war: Malyar on the expectations of Rammstein-3
Ukraine has entered a protracted war, so Western partners must understand that arms aid can not be one-time – support is needed before the victory over Russia, said on a telethon Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar, speaking about the Rammstein-3 meeting, announced the day before at the Pentagon.
– The help of Western countries is extremely important for us, and we openly say that the Ukrainian army is professional, it has experience of war with the Russian army since 2014. It is important to understand here that we are not just a NATO-style army, because we have met many standards by 24 February, even more than some of the countries that are already members of the Alliance.
But motivation and training alone are not enough to overcome Russia without weapons. That is why we openly ask that we need the West’s help with armaments. First of all, we are talking about air defense and heavy weapons, – she stressed.
The Malyar also explained that the provision of weapons is a long process, because in addition to bureaucratic obstacles, there is a production process of such weapons, which is quite long, as well as its planning.
– So now is the period when weapons have already begun to arrive, but it is not enough to repel the Russian army. However, given that we have already entered a protracted war, we will always need support. That is, the West must understand that this is not a one-time thing, and support is needed for the victory itself, – said the Deputy Defense Minister.
According to her, now Ukraine is trying to convey to its partners that it is a shield of Europe, that we are defending European countries.
– And for Putin, Ukraine is not the last goal. For him, Ukraine is a springboard to move forward. Therefore, they must understand that by helping Ukraine, they are actually making a huge contribution to their own security, – concluded Malyar.
Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin has announced a third summit of defense ministers from around the world at the US-based Ramstein base in Germany, where aid to Ukraine will be discussed.
The Defense Advisory Group on Ukraine was established following the first meeting at the Rammstein base, after which it operates on a permanent basis.