Ukraine has urgent need for 19 additional air defense systems to protect 19 energy sites, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibyga said today ahead of his meeting with his alliance colleagues in Brussels, writes BTA.
We hope that the necessary decisions will be made today or tomorrow, he added on the occasion of the two-day ministerial meeting at the headquarters of the alliance. Later this evening, Sibiga will participate in a dinner of the foreign ministers of the pact.
Sibiga noted that his country was facing huge challenges. We need strong decisions in our support, much of our resilience and ability to resist is due to your strong support, he addressed NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The Ukrainian minister thanked for the assistance provided so far. He pointed out that Russia is trying to weaponize food and energy by targeting parts of the Ukrainian energy grid.
Strong historical decisions are needed instead of appealing to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and going to Moscow, Sibiga added. According to him, support for Ukraine is not a matter of charity, but a contribution to transatlantic security.
We need to protect Ukraine's energy grid, do more for its air defenses, provide more military supplies, Rutte said. He added that one day when Ukraine decides to negotiate with Russia, it should be in a strong position.