Authors: Mykola Volkivskyi, Nicola Rivieccio
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba delivered a simple and clear message from Ukraine to the people of the G7 countries: “Please stop watching us Ukrainians being destroyed by Russian missiles and drones. The G7 has the opportunity to supply Ukraine with more air defense systems without delay. Germany has taken over initiative and has already promised to supply one battery, one additional battery of Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems. Other countries should follow”/
Issues related to the fastest possible supply of Patriot air defense were discussed today in Capri at the G7 summit by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
In an interview with NEWSROOM IN, Dmitry Kuleba explained what he expects from Western partners and why the time has come to make strong, extraordinary decisions:
➤ You saw that air defense can be very effective against the Iranian attack. Why isn’t this happening for Ukraine, in your opinion?
➤ Kuleba responded, “I think you should address this question to my colleagues. Frankly, I will ask the same question tomorrow in my meeting with ministers.”
➤ Are you hopeful?
➤ Kuleba expressed optimism, stating, “Always. First, pessimists do not win wars. Second, we’ve seen since the beginning of the large-scale invasion that the same countries I’m going to sit down with tomorrow can make really powerful, extraordinary decisions. Ukrainians are deeply grateful to them for what they have done. But as the war drags on, more extraordinary decisions must be made. Hope comes from facts. The fact is that the G7 can make serious, big decisions.”
➤ Technically, in real terms, what do you need? Planes, counters, air defense? What do you ask for, technically?
➤ Kuleba outlined the specific needs: “Technically, we need Patriot air defense and Sampti air defense. Patriot is an American system, and Sampti is French-Italian, where Italy also has a role to play. Third, we need missiles for Patriots and for Sampti. Why am I mentioning only these air defense systems? Because they are the only ones capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. We appreciate all other air defense systems, IRIS-T from Germany, HOX, and many, many others. But what we need today to save people’s lives, to save our economy, is Patriots and SMPTI.”