Ukrainian Foreign Minister Appreciates Air Defense Assistance from Allies, But It Is Not Adequate on the Battlefield

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. (Source: President.gov.ua)

JAKARTA - Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Wednesday that Ukraine's partners had not provided sufficient air defense to protect the country from Russian missile attacks, even though they had more than 100 Patriot systems in their arsenal.

In an interview with Reuters, Foreign Minister Kuleba said he would raise the issue of the Patriot missile defense system during a series of two-day meetings with allies from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Brussels, Belgium.

In recent weeks, Russia has launched increased attacks on cities and energy infrastructure in Ukraine, underscoring Kyiv's urgent need for protection.

"Partners did provide us with a different (air defense) system, we appreciate it, but it is not enough, considering the scale of the war," said Foreign Minister Kuleba, as quoted on April 4.

He further said that Ukraine's partners have more than 100 Patriot systems at their disposal, but so far are unwilling to share even five to seven more systems, a number that Kyiv says is the minimum necessary to provide significant additional protection.

"Is this a big deal? Is it not feasible to give Ukraine the minimum demands?" asked Foreign Minister Kuleba.

Yesterday, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia fired more than 3,000 guided aerial bombs, 600 drones and 400 missiles at Ukraine in March, highlighting the importance of air defense.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Kuleba said the Russian attack in March involved 94 ballistic missiles, which are much faster than commonly used cruise missiles and more difficult to shoot down.

"I mean this happens to us every day," Kuleba said, summarizing his message to Ukraine's allies.

"And there is a solution. This is just a matter of political will. So someone has to make a decision," he stressed.

Foreign Minister Kuleba said it was unclear why the ally had not provided additional Patriots so far, especially since Kyiv's partners do not face the missile threat that Ukraine faces every day.

He argued that such support would help defeat Russia and prevent a larger war across Europe.

"When I say Europe will go to war and missiles will fall on Brussels and other European cities, I am not exaggerating. All this will happen if Ukraine does not win the war against Russia," he explained.

"So, the best way to save your Patriots from missile interceptions (in your country) and your soldiers from death is to send your Patriots to Ukraine and give the Ukrainian army everything it needs," he exclaimed.

When asked about NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's proposal, which diplomats said included a planned 100 billion euro fund for Ukraine over five years, Foreign Minister Kuleba said he welcomed the support, but that it should represent new funds and not reuse of previous commitments.

He said NATO was having difficulty raising 500 million euros for a Comprehensive Assistance Package to reform and equip Ukraine's armed forces, so adding 20 billion euros a year would be a "huge" effort.

"If this particular initiative is to become a reality, we have to ensure that this will be 100 billion in new funding," he said.