Speaking to reporters in Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital, Wallace recalled that last year he received a new military request list by Ukrainian officials and responded by saying “we are not amazon”.
“There is a small caveat: like it or not, people want gratitude”he said, adding: “My advice to the Ukrainians is to know that they are persuading countries to give up their own stocks” of weapons.
Wallace’s words followed frustrations expressed by the Ukrainian president, Volodomir Zelensky, given the reluctance of NATO member states to establish a firm timetable for kyiv’s accession to the military alliance.
Subsequently, the British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, pointed out that Zelensky he “repeatedly expressed his gratitude” for the support provided.
Zelensky’s response
The Ukrainian president himself referred to the issue at a press conference in Lithuania: “The people of the UK have always supported Ukraine and we are grateful for that, I don’t know what (Wallace) is referring to, just write to me and tell me how you would like us to thank you.”.
He then turned to the Ukrainian Defense Minister, sitting in the audience, and asked: “Do you have problems with the UK Defense Minister? Have you told him you are grateful? You have to call him today! Please.” according to statements reproduced by the BBC.
On the other hand, Sunak took advantage of the NATO summit to announce a new support package for Ukrainefocused on strengthening the defensive capacity and resistance of the country against Russian aggression, according to official sources.
This package includes military assistance, training and strategic advice, with the aim of further raising Ukraine’s resistance level.
Source: Ambito
