Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on US Military Aid and Cooperation
KYIV: Ukraine is "firmly determined" to continue cooperation with the US, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said today following the news that Washington paused its crucial military aid.
Ukraine’s Military Capabilities
Shmyhal emphasized that Ukrainian forces could hold the situation on the battlefield as they fight Russian troops despite the pause in US supplies. He noted that US military assistance was critical for Ukraine and that it had helped save thousands of lives. Shmyhal highlighted that Ukraine had covered about 30% of its weapons needs with domestic production last year and planned to increase output this year to cover up to 50%.
Cooperation with the US
Shmyhal stated that Ukraine was looking for opportunities for pragmatic cooperation with the US, particularly in the agreement to create a jointly-owned investment fund. He expressed his willingness to sign the deal, which would give the US access to Ukraine’s deposits of rare earth and other critical minerals.
US Military Aid
Ukrainian officials reported that the US supplied about 40% of Ukraine’s weapons, while Europe covered about a third. Shmyhal emphasized the importance of maintaining this partnership and finding ways to work together until a peace agreement is reached, but stressed that it would be on Ukraine’s terms as a victim country.
Risks and Challenges
Shmyhal noted that there was a risk for the repair, maintenance, and general supplies for US Patriot air defences, which he described as the only system capable of repelling Russian ballistic missile strikes. He also highlighted the country’s dependence on the US for air defense systems to repel Russian missile strikes.
Public Opinion
Residents in the capital Kyiv expressed their concerns about the pause in US military aid, with many calling for the government to redouble its diplomatic efforts towards the US. One resident, Natalia Borysenko, a 38-year-old public servant, believed that a dialogue between the president’s office and Donald Trump’s administration would solve the issue sooner or later.
Conclusion
In the face of the pause in US military aid, Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal remains committed to continued cooperation with the US. While there are risks and challenges ahead, Shmyhal’s determination to maintain this partnership is a crucial step towards ensuring Ukraine’s security and independence.
FAQs
- What is the current state of US military aid to Ukraine?
The US has paused its crucial military aid to Ukraine, which has been critical for Kiev since Russia’s 2022 invasion. - What is Ukraine’s plan to increase its military capabilities?
Ukraine plans to increase its drone production to about 2.5 million this year from some 1 million produced in 2024 and increase production of artillery and other ammunition. - What is the risk for the repair, maintenance, and general supplies for US Patriot air defences?
There is a risk for the repair, maintenance, and general supplies for US Patriot air defences, which Shmyhal described as the only system capable of repelling Russian ballistic missile strikes. - What is Ukraine’s stance on the agreement with the US?
Ukraine is willing to sign the agreement, which would give the US access to Ukraine’s deposits of rare earth and other critical minerals, and is working to maintain this partnership until a peace agreement is reached.