Yermak calls on ambassadors of France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands and Spain to strengthen provision of air defense to Ukraine

KYIV. Oct 19 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, during a briefing for representatives of the diplomatic corps of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain, who are among the leaders in providing Ukraine with weapons and military equipment, urged them to influence the strengthening of the provision of Ukraine by their states with air defense means.

According to the press service of the president, in his conversation with diplomats, Yermak recalled that Russia uses missiles and kamikaze drones to launch massive strikes on critical infrastructure facilities in Ukraine.

"Certainly, given what has been happening in recent days, one of our main priorities is to create protection for our cities, civil infrastructure and create an air shield for Ukraine. And I am very glad that today it is no longer a matter for discussion, but only a matter of time. And this should be done as soon as possible," the head of the President’s Office said.

According to him, the steps to create a special air protection may be the first in the implementation of the program of security guarantees for Ukraine.

Yermak also once again called on diplomats to recognize Russia as a state-sponsor of terrorism with the corresponding consequences. At the same time, Yermak expressed hope that the countries represented at the meeting would support the adoption of the PACE resolution at the session of the European Parliament on October 21-24, in which the Russian Federation would be called a terrorist regime.

In addition, during the meeting, the head of the President’s Office noted that Ukraine knows how to win the war, and its membership in NATO will strengthen the Alliance.

"Today, Ukraine – with your help and support, for which we are very grateful – but still single-handedly destroyed almost 50% of the potential of NATO’s main threat. And that is why I am convinced that Ukraine’s membership in NATO will strengthen the Alliance," the head of the President’s Office said.

In his turn, commander of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Mykola Oleschuk, briefed the Western European diplomats on the air attacks that Ukraine suffered in October and the countermeasures by the Ukrainian military using the available forces and means.

The diplomats were also informed about the needs of the Ukrainian army.

Diplomatic representatives noted the importance of the provided information and asked clarifying questions in order to provide relevant information to the leadership of their states.