Ukrainian foreign minister reveals details of country''s air defence needs: at least 20 systems to protect energy infrastructure
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has disclosed details about the request Ukraine submitted to its NATO allies for bolstering its air defence systems.
Source: a European Pravda correspondent in Brussels
Details: Ahead of his meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Sybiha elaborated on the reasons for Ukraine's latest request for assistance.
The minister explained that Ukraine is working to counter Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure. "Russia is now attempting to use energy as a weapon. They aim to cut us off from nuclear energy and are targeting nuclear energy facilities. This is a new reality. Because of this, we need decisive, historic actions from our partners instead of mere calls to Russia," he stated.
Sybiha clarified an earlier statement he made in Brussels regarding the need for at least 20 air defence systems. He specified that the request is aimed at protecting 19 energy facilities from Russian attacks, primarily focusing on nuclear energy infrastructure. Ukraine has four nuclear power plants on its territory, including the decommissioned Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, distribution facilities of which are still operational. Additionally, the functionality of energy facilities depends on distribution hubs.
Quote: "We urgently need 19 additional air defence systems to safeguard our strategic facilities. I am confident that, with the support of our partners, we will get through this winter because we will receive these systems to protect these 19 facilities.
We have already sent a detailed list of our needs and hope that today’s meeting and those in the coming days will result in concrete decisions from our closest partners to deliver these systems."
Background:
- Earlier reports indicated that in Brussels, Ukraine requested NATO countries to provide at least 20 air defence systems, including Hawk, NASAMS and IRIS-T models.
- The Foreign Ministry has also stated that Ukraine rejects any alternatives to NATO membership.
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