Land-Lease as a result of military success and its decisive importance for Ukraine/Channel 24 Archive
The adoption of the Lend-Lease program has become a powerful signal to Kyiv about the unconditional and comprehensive support of our state from Washington.
< p>How and thanks to what it was possible to achieve the adoption of Lend-Lease, how the pace and volume of the supply of weapons will now change, and whether Abrams tanks and American aircraft are included in the program – in an exclusive interview to the Channel 24 website, the head of the Ukraine-NATO public league Sergey Djerj.
Acceptance of Lend-Lease
Sergey, tell us how it became possible to accept Lend-Lease?
To begin with, I will say that the approval and further implementation of this program will be decisive for our state. If you look at the situation in the context of a historical retrospective, then it was Lend-Lease that helped the “land of the Soviets” in the war against Nazi Germany.
The symbolic side of the Lend-Lease law is noteworthy. Symbolism lies already in the name itself, which suggests certain parallels between Russia and the Third Reich. Although, to be honest, the United States could have chosen some other, more neutral name for this legislative act.
From the very beginning, this law was the initiative of our American partners.
Lend-Lease has become a form of comprehensive response to our requests for needs in the supply of weapons, says the expert/Photo courtesy of the speaker
That the transfer of weapons should become comprehensive and systematic and based on a legal document, our partners were constantly asked by representatives of our political leadership.
Now we will no longer need to constantly beg one weapon or another. It will automatically come to us in the amount that we need. This is also an advantage of this law, since it makes it much easier for us to get everything we need to build up our military forces in time of war.
Among other things, the body of the law provides for constant contacts between American gunsmiths and the Ukrainian side to exchange requests for the necessary military equipment.
Payment for this will occur as follows: the US government will pay part of the funds for weapons to its arms manufacturers, and the other we will pay part of it, but after the war.
Can we call the meeting on the Ramstein an epilogue to the Lend-Lease story?
The lend-lease program was being prepared for us long before the meeting at the American base in Germany. “Ramstein” has shown that a real anti-Putin coalition, ready to fight against Russia, has already been formed.
Moreover, the struggle of these countries will not be limited to political and diplomatic opposition to the Kremlin. The fact that the ministers of defense of each of them were present at the meeting of the participating countries indicates that the struggle is becoming more material.
Volumes and terms of arms delivery
How will the Lend-Lease Act affect the pace and volume of the supply of weapons?
I think it will be a very fast pace. Companies involved in the production and allocation of these weapons to us are interested in their speedy sale.
They will quickly fulfill the order. Until circumstances change or someone suddenly changes their mind. Especially her guarantee of payment from the American government.
Biden will sign the Lend-Lease law on May 9/Photo by Getty Images
Will these weapons come from warehouses located at US bases in Europe?
Yes, of course, one of them. All our needs will be covered by European American bases. From ammunition to food for the military and fuel for equipment.
In addition to using stockpiles on the European continent, the Americans will, if necessary, purchase weapons and equipment for us from third countries. Among them will also be individual NATO member countries. All this is provided for by this law.
In addition, the supply covers strategic materials that will allow us to produce all the products necessary for the army in the near future.
Abrams tanks and aircraft
Aircraft and Abrams will also be provided to us under Lend-Lease?
If our the military will say they need to be given Abrams and American aircraft, they will be provided under this law.
33 billion dollars will be the first funds pledged to fund this program?
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You have to start somewhere. Lend-lease will be continued if such a need arises, but yes, this can be said to be start-up capital.
