Important to send weapons to Ukraine both to defend itself and push Russia out - Britain at OSCE
That’s according to a statement by Britain’s representative to the OSCE, Ian Stubbs, who spoke at the Security Cooperation Forum.
"As we continue our support of Ukraine in their heroic resistance, we recognise that while it is important to equip them to defend the land they currently hold; it is just as important to equip Ukraine to push Russia out of Ukrainian territory," the British diplomat said.
According to Stubbs, alongside Britain’s allies and partners, the accelerated package of military assistance, including the provision of Challenger 2 tanks, is recognition of this.
"We do not underestimate the continuing threat posed by the Russian Federation, but Putin and his military leadership should not underestimate our determination and will to support our Ukrainian friends as they fight to liberate their homeland. Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence will be fully restored.," the head of the mission stressed.
Separately, the British diplomat pointed out that the Russian military leadership miscalculated a year ago, when they convinced Putin of the inevitable victory over Ukraine. According to the diplomat, they hoped that "the lauded battalion tactical group concept would bring about a swift and decisive defeat of the armed forces of Ukraine. And that they as the invader would be welcomed with open arms.”
"Instead, the poor leadership, discipline, equipment, logistics, and training of Russia’s military contributed to abject failure of the concept. Russia’s ability to conduct combined arms manoeuvre warfare quickly collapsed, and in its place, early 20th century tactics of mass attrition, absent of any effective command and control. Russia’s battalion tactical groups now replaced with convicts and criminals," Stubbs said.
He added that out of desperation, the Russian military unleashed “horrendous violence” against the civilian population, turning entire towns and villages into ruins. In particular, they attacked energy infrastructure across Ukraine in order to deprive people of light and heat through the winter.
"However, despite these horrendous actions, Russia’s invasion has, above all else, demonstrated the strength, resolve and determination of the Ukrainian people as they defend their homeland. With support from their friends and international partners, Ukraine has shown that agility, ingenuity, mission command and effective operational and tactical planning can wield devastating effect against a barbaric invader," the British mission said.
As Ukrinform reported earlier, Ukraine’s mission to the OSCE during the meeting of the Security Cooperation Forum expressed hope that spring and early summer would be decisive in achieving victory over the Russian aggressor, calling on partners to provide timely military and technical assistance to help Ukraine attain this goal faster.
