UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has called for gratitude from Ukraine in response to Western aid. His comments came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised NATO for delays in granting Ukraine membership. Wallace stated that “people want to see gratitude” from Ukraine, highlighting the importance of acknowledging the support provided by Western nations.
Wallace recalled a conversation with the Ukrainian government last year where he emphasised that the UK is not akin to a commercial entity like Amazon, able to fulfil weapons requests immediately. He stressed the need for gratitude and understanding in relation to the challenges involved in providing military assistance.
However, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his appreciation for the value that Ukraine places on the UK’s support. Sunak mentioned that President Zelensky has expressed gratitude on multiple occasions, emphasising the significance of the bilateral relationship.
President Zelensky’s recent criticism of NATO, stating that it was “unprecedented and absurd” that Ukraine did not have clarity on its potential membership, sparked a discussion on the topic. However, after subsequent meetings with NATO leaders, Zelensky adopted a more conciliatory tone, indicating a willingness to find common ground and address concerns.
The NATO summit, currently taking place in Lithuania, concludes today. Discussions around Ukraine’s potential membership in NATO and the importance of Western support for the country remain key topics at the summit.
