Recalling 11 Hours Of Driving To Ukraine And Given A List Of Weapons, British Defense Minister: We Are Not Amazon

British Defense Minister Ben Wallace. (Wikimedia Commons/Sgt Donald C Todd RLC)

JAKARTA - British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said on Wednesday he had warned Ukraine that his international ally was not Amazon, with Kyiv needing to show gratitude for the arms donations to persuade Western politicians to give more.

Britain is known to have been one of Ukraine's loyal supporters since last year's Russian invasion. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Britain and its allies would double its support for Ukraine.

Defense Minister Wallace warned Ukraine should persuade members of the US Parliament and "reluctant politicians in other countries, that this is worth doing", and that "like it or not, people want to see gratitude".

He conveyed this on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, responding to reporters' questions regarding President Volodymyr Zelensky's complaint regarding the lack of clarity on the timing of access to Ukraine to the military alliance.

Wallace recalls that he had traveled last year to Ukraine, where he was given a list of weapons spending.

"You know, we're not Amazon," he said, referring to the giant American technology and retail company.

"I told them last year, when I was driving for 11 hours to be given a list," he continued.

Separately, asked about Defense Minister Wallace's comments, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said President Zelensky was grateful for the support provided so far, saying more aid would be provided as needed.

"President Zelensky has expressed his gratitude for what we have done on several occasions," PM Sunak said at a press conference in Vilnius.

"I fully understand Volodymyr's desire to do everything he can to protect his people and stop this war, and we will continue to provide the support he needs."