Reznikov meets with representatives of Renew Democracy Initiative
As the press service of the Ministry of Defense informs, Reznikov thanked the United States of America for helping our country in the fight against the Russian occupiers and standing with Ukraine for more than a year of full-scale war.
Further consolidation of efforts to repel Russia's armed aggression and implementation of bilateral cooperation to strengthen the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was discussed.
The minister informed the foreign delegation about the current situation on the front lines and the continued documentation of Russian crimes committed in Ukrainian territories. He expressed his belief that Russian officials who give criminal orders must be prosecuted at the international level.
"What the Russian military has been doing in the territory of Ukraine cannot go unpunished. This is a special international tribunal or call it Nuremberg 2 as you like. It should be a clear and effective argument for future generations of Russians that they should become a part of civilization and leave thoughts about any revenge," Reznikov said.
The minister emphasized the importance of strengthening Ukraine's air defense to create an air shield over our country which should protect the civilian population and critical infrastructure facilities.
He also noted that Ukraine expects at the upcoming NATO Summit in Vilnius a clear signal from its partners about the readiness to accept our country as a full-fledged member of the Alliance.
"At the beginning of the Russian full-scale invasion, many did not believe in our victory. We were given 72 hours, they said that Kyiv would fall. But as you can see, we continue to fight, we are successful at the front. That is why I am confident in our victory and ask you to believe in us and trust us. Ukraine is not just a reliable partner, it is a strong country that knows from its own experience how to fight the Russians and effectively destroy them. Ukraine is the real eastern shield of NATO, it is the real eastern shield of the European Union. That is why our country's membership in the Alliance is one of the key elements of a strong international security architecture," Reznikov said.
He pointed out the importance of Ukraine gaining air superiority, which will allow successful ground operations, in particular, de-occupation of Ukrainian territories. That is why, according to him, our defenders desperately need modern aircraft of at least the fourth generation to protect themselves from Russian air terrorism and in the future to make these aircraft part of the national air defense. The American delegates expressed support for our country and praised the courage and resilience of Ukrainian service members in the fight for Ukraine's independence. Senator Heitkamp emphasized that the heroic resistance of the Ukrainian people is an impressive example not only for the USA but also for the whole world.
