Ukraine needs and urgently demands more anti-aircraft defenses to minimize the impact of russian bombings. And NATO assures that “they will continue to provide important military, economic and humanitarian assistance” and will continue to strengthen anti-aircraft capabilities. Does that mean that Kiev Has he gotten his way and will he have more resources from now on? Yes, but no or no, but yes. Or, in any case, something with many buts and nuances. The members of the alliance have gathered in an extraordinary way today in the call NATO-Ukraine Council at the ambassador level. A special format recently created so that exchanges are done face to face, peer to peer, even if the country is not a member. And although there are good words, promises and defined plans, the concrete things that Volodimir Zelensky has asked for these days are not on the table. Not at least as they aspired. The news would have been a change of course or strategy, but what they have not approved are concrete and immediate commitments.
The recent multiplication of Russian air strikes seeks to exhaust kyiv’s defensive resources. That is why the Foreign Minister, Dimitro Kuleba, has asked all Western allies to send spare parts regularly: “Ensuring regular supply of missiles for the Patriots, IRIS-T, Nasams and other systems is a top priority that must be completed today, not tomorrow,” he said this week . NATO called the meeting in view of the use of new weapons, some of which came from North Korea, and in view of what appears to be a possible flow of ammunition also from Tehran.
“Allies strongly condemn Russian missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian civilians, including with North Korea and Iran. For the second year in a row, Putin tries to wear down Ukraine with massive attacks, but he will not succeed. Russia’s campaign of cruelty only strengthens Ukraine’s resolve. While Moscow intensifies its attacks against cities and civilians, NATO is strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses. We will continue to support the brave Ukrainians as they fight against the war of aggression,” the Secretary General assured this Wednesday, Jens Stoltenbergat the end of the meeting.
The allies have already “delivered a wide range of anti-aircraft systems to Ukraine and today reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen Ukraine’s defenses. A few days ago the joint purchase of 1,000 Patriot missiles was announced to replenish reserves. Germany has recently delivered systems of Patriot and Skynex air defenses and additional missiles for IRIS-T air defenses to Ukraine, and the United Kingdom is to provide around 200 missiles. “Today, the allies made clear that they will continue to provide Ukraine with significant military, economic and humanitarian assistance , and many allies outlined plans to provide billions of euros in additional capabilities in 2024,” the Alliance says.
THE EU LOOKS FOR SHORTCUTS