Reznikov, Wallace discuss prospects of Ukraine’s accession to NATO
Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov of Ukraine discussed a number of important security issues with his British counterpart Ben Wallace, who is on a working visit to Ukraine. In particular, the two spoke of supplies of long-range capabilities to Ukraine, as well as the prospect of Ukraine’s NATO membership.
This was reported by the Ministry of Defense, Ukrinform saw.
"Of course, we discussed Ukraine's NATO prospect in the context of the upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius, including Ukraine's vision of stabilizing peace in Europe and employing the peace formula of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky," Reznikov said.
As noted, the ministers also discussed the priority of supplying weapons to Ukraine. In particular, it was about long-range capabilities, such as Storm Shadow cruise missiles, which Britain recently handed over to Ukraine.
Storm Shadow missiles are among the first long-range capabilities provided to Ukraine by its allies, Ben Wallace noted, adding that the UK made such a decision because Russia keeps firing off their own long-range missiles targeting civilians and civilian critical infrastructure.
He also added that the Russian leader must realize that he will not be able to win this war, and that international support for Ukraine will remain steadfast even after Ukraine prevails.
Wallace emphasized that the partners will support Ukraine not only amid the efforts to repel aggression, but also in the post-war period.
Reznikov noted that the world once again saw Britain's leadership in matters of unwavering and resolute assistance to Ukraine.
"The world has seen again the leadership of the United Kingdom, the world has seen again true friendship, and the world has seen that leadership gives an advantage on the battlefield. The first shipments of NLAW anti-tank weapons, assistance in decision-making on the acquisition of 155mm artillery by Ukraine, the creation of a special facility to support Ukraine and the possibility of purchasing weapons from various countries, arming the Ukrainian fleet with Harpoon anti-ship missiles together with partners, participation in providing Ukraine with modern MLRS systems, such as the M270, armored vehicles of various classes and types, and huge projects for the training of our military personnel abroad. And also such ‘goodies’ as Storm Shadow, and many other things that I cannot talk about at the moment. And Ukraine got all this thanks to the personal participation of Ben Wallace, his leadership, and the efforts undertaken by his team," Reznikov stressed.
As Ukrinform reported earlier, in Britain, the Ukrainian recruits, being trained by Norwegian instructors, practice firing NLAWs to rapidly destroy enemy armored vehicles in close-range combat.
Photo: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine