Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov met with his Lithuanian counterpart Arvydas Anushauskas. After that, the head of the Ukrainian defense department published a cryptic message.
Oleksiy Reznikov noted that a year ago, most of the weapons that Ukraine now has seemed just a dream. In particular, the Stinger portable air defense systems, which were the first to be provided to us by Lithuania.
Reznikov hints at warships for Ukraine
Oleksiy Reznikov noted in his message that a year ago no one would have believed that Ukraine would have Stinger man-portable air defense systems in service, but in the end we received them and Lithuania was the first to provide them to us. Therefore, the minister decided to ask if anyone can now say that Ukraine will not be able to receive warships – as if the head of the Ministry of Defense is hinting that it is possible that they will be provided to us.
Only a year ago, no one would have believed that the Ukrainian army would be armed with Stingers. Lithuania was the first country to send us these MANPADS. So, can anyone now say that it would be impossible to get warships? – wrote Reznikov.
Alexey Reznikov and Arvydas Anushauskas/Photo from Reznikov's Twitter
Whether the minister's message means that Ukraine is already discussing the issue of receiving warships from partners is anyone's guess. Now our state is actively working to get long-range weapons and aircraft from partners.
Ukraine will receive aircraft and long-range weapons this year
Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President Mikhail Podolyak said that before by the end of 2023, Ukraine will receive long-range missiles and fighter jets to finalize the war According to the official, the partners understand that Russia cannot be allowed to turn the war with Ukraine into a protracted conflict and it must be ended.
In particular, the Prime Minister of Slovakia, Eduard Heger said his country would do everything possible to provide fighter jets. According to preliminary data, Ukraine may receive 11 or 12 aircraft, which are currently in Slovakia.
At the same time, on the sidelines of the European Council summit in Brussels, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson refused to provide Vladimir Zelensky with Jas 39 fighter jets Gripen, justifying this by the fact that his country needs these aircraft.
