Ukraine's plea for timely US aid amid fears of Russian advances
Olha Stefaniszyna, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine for EU and NATO integration, shared her concerns on Thursday about the absence of a viable alternative plan for Ukraine without support from the United States in the foreseeable future. Concerning comments were also made by Dmytro Kuleba.
When asked about the possibility of a realistic alternative plan for Ukraine without American support, Olha Stefaniszyna responded: "In the short term, no. In the long term, it's building a European defence core through establishing a suitable (defence industry) market." Her remarks were made during a business breakfast hosted by Forbes Ukraine magazine.
Ukraine is presently awaiting the arrival of American military assistance, which experts claim is essential for continuing to counter the Russian invasion. The support package, which includes, amongst other assistance, £50 billion for Ukraine, was passed by the US Congress following more than six months of internal debates.
"Many bad things can happen"
Dmytro Kuleba, Head of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, referencing this aid package, mentioned that a gap exists between the announcement of the help and its actual delivery to the front lines. During this interval, as he highlighted, "bad things may happen, such as the advance of Russian forces on the ground."
Kuleba stressed that Ukrainian soldiers are struggling due to a shortage of artillery ammo, resulting in the bombing and destruction of their positions. He pointed out that in war, the pace of delivery is just as critical as the quality and volume of the supplies.
"Unfortunately, I have to admit that Ukraine’s allies are behind schedule, despite their efforts. Some of them are making a great effort. But when I look at what Russia achieved in restoring the production of its defenders’ industrial base and what the entire West has achieved so far, we have to face the truth and recognize that Russia is more effective in its war effort," Kuleba noted.
He raised a more profound question for the West: "If it cannot be efficient enough in this particular war effort, then how efficient can it be if other wars and crises of the same scale break out?".
