Editor: Tetiana Herasimova
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Mar 27, 2024
Ukraine urgently needs as many additional air defense systems as possible, in particular Patriots.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba has stated this during an online briefing for the world media.
Kuleba noted that russia intensified air terror against Ukraine and in just a week from March 18 to 24 launched 190 missiles of various types, 140 Shahed drones and 700 guided aerial bombs on the territory of our country.
“A feature of the current Russian attacks is the heavy use of ballistic missiles, which can reach targets at extremely high speeds, leaving little time for people to find cover, and causing significant destruction,” the Minister said.
The Foreign Minister also noted that a number of countries in the world own Patriot systems. According to him, these systems can and should be transferred to Ukraine as soon as possible and urged partners to find the appropriate political will.
“Ukraine is now the only country in the world that almost daily undergoes ballistic missile attacks. Patriot must be placed here in Ukraine to protect real human lives, and not remain in places where the missile threat is zero,” Kuleba said.
He named three critical results that will bring strengthening of Ukrainian air defense:
“First of all, powerful Ukrainian air defense will save thousands of lives, which in itself is the main goal. Patriot and other similar systems are defensive by definition. They are designed to protect lives, not take them away,” the Minister said.
Secondly, according to him, a strong Ukrainian air defense will save a significant amount of resources for our partners.
“Every area that Patriot has closed is less critical infrastructure destruction and less funds to rebuild; every city securely protected by Patriot is thousands of Ukrainians who will return from abroad, strengthening the Ukrainian economy and reducing its dependence on foreign financial assistance,” the Foreign Minister added.
Thirdly, as Kuleba noted, powerful air defense will cover our troops and allow them to turn the tide of the war in favor of Ukraine. After all, the main advantage of russia on the battlefield now is the widespread use of guided aerial bombs.
“These bombs, which on average weigh from 500 to 1500 kilograms, allow russian occupiers to destroy targets of strikes and move forward through the ruins. The only way to counter this barbaric tactic is to shoot down aircraft that drop these bombs, requiring enough modern air defense systems at the front. Strong air defense on the front lines would allow our troops not only not to lose ground, but also to force the russians to retreat,” the Minister said.
Recall that earlier Kuleba, after the attack on Kyiv, called on the U.S. Congress to finally unlock assistance to Ukraine.
Macron weighs five scenarios for NATO troop deployment in Ukraine:
https://english.nv.ua/nation/emmanuel-macron-on-five-scenarios-for-the-introduction-of-french-troops-into-ukraine-50404475.html
The European Union has decided not to transfer EUR 5 billion ($5.4 billion) in investment profits from frozen Russian assets, Politico reported on March 27.
https://english.nv.ua/nation/eu-will-not-transfer-5-4-billion-in-profits-from-frozen-russian-assets-to-ukraine-50404962.html
What a bitch!, These politicians are really incredible. No wonder there was a successful Brexit. I thought the US was screwed-up, but now I think the EU can give lessons on how to screwup.
By the way Sir Scradgel, I “liked” your comment, not so much that I like the message but I liked that you shared the info. The politico article sucks. Thank you!
Just a clarification on this subject which also shocked me.
The regulation in this matter cannot, unless there is an extreme legal difficulty, apply retroactively and allow previous profits to be allocated. On the other hand, 90% of the profits made from February 2024 will be allocated to the purchase of weapons for Ukraine. If the legal risks (Russian procedure) do not materialize by 2027, Euroclear would be able to keep this jackpot of 5 billion! To be checked. That would be scandalous.
We can regret and be scandalized that after so much time, the arrangements to be made regarding the freezing of assets are still at a standstill for Ukraine, but that the banking institutions are taking full advantage of it. For exemple a large part of the aid allocated to Ukraine is not free, but is formulated in the form of loans (33/50 billion euros for example regarding the latest EU aid).
I believe that the behind-the-scenes banking lobby must inexorably attempt to undermine this process until a court decision or a settlement of war demands its implementation. My impression is that the frozen assets (and not the profits) will remain until the end of the war as a virtual lever usable against Russia and as a real lever for a settlement of the conflict.
It’s dramatic ! What do you want, we are still in this state of mind: “Ukraine and Russia must not lose. Even less the banks.”
You’d figure that everyone would know the importance of air defense in Ukraine and act accordingly. But, I give them too much credit, I suppose.