NATO should seriously consider expanding and increasing military assistance to Ukraine before the long winter months begin, to avoid disappointing kyiv and damaging its reputation.
This is reported by the Times, noting that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is visiting the UK, where the focus is mainly on support for Ukraine.
According to the publication, the North Atlantic Alliance is facing a number of serious challenges that are being exploited by populist parties and their opponents. Russian drones have repeatedly crossed the borders of NATO countries and crashed in the territories of Bulgaria, Romania, Latvia and Sweden.
There are also suggestions that US presidential candidate Donald Trump might focus on confronting China and ignore the Russian threat. Moreover, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, during negotiations with Vladimir Zelensky, pointed out the need for Russia’s participation in the upcoming peace summit.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is planning a visit to Washington to meet with President Joe Biden and discuss strengthening Ukraine’s military capabilities in the fight against Russia.
Former British Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has supported the idea of allowing Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles against Russian launchers. He stressed that in response to Russian bombings of civilians, it is necessary to provide Ukraine with the opportunity to use long-range weapons on Russian territory.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Western allies fear the Kremlin would perceive such actions as an escalation. Shapps said the UK should, with the support of the US, France and Germany, issue a clear ultimatum to Putin.
The article stresses that if NATO does not support kyiv this winter, the Alliance risks losing its reputation.
Earlier, Kursor reported that the WSJ discussed the problems Ukraine faces in the war with the Russian Federation.
