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Rishi Sunak distanced himself from Ben Wallace’s suggestion that Ukraine could show more “thank you” to the West, arguing that President Volodymyr Zelensky has done so “many times”.
The defense secretary frowned on Wednesday, suggesting Ukraine should be more grateful for the help from its allies after President Zelenskyy accused NATO of failing to provide a timetable for Ukraine to join the alliance earlier in the week. .
On the sidelines of the NATO summit in Lithuania, Wallace complained that some US politicians had “offered $83 billion worth of stuff, but you know we’re not the Amazon.” said.
“A little caution here, like it or not, people want to show their gratitude. He’s trying to persuade them to let go of their own stocks,” he said.
“And yes, your war is a noble war, and we see you waging war not only for yourself, but for our freedom. But sometimes Sometimes you have to persuade lawmakers. [Capitol] Mr. Hill in America, you have to convince skeptical politicians in other countries that it’s worth it, that it’s worth it, and that you’re getting something out of it. “
But the prime minister distanced himself from Wallace’s remarks, saying later at a press conference in Vilnius that “President Zelensky has thanked us many times for what we have done.”
He cited the “incredibly moving” speeches by Ukrainian leaders to parliament this year and President Zelensky thanking the prime minister “countless times” in private meetings.
Shadow Secretary of Defense John Healy said Ukraine didn’t need a “thank you lecture” amid Russia’s aggression.
“Ukrainians are fighting for the future and freedom of their country,” he said. “President Zelensky yesterday wanted more military aid, and of course he does. Especially when it overshadows the summit’s success.”
This comes despite President Zelensky’s hilarious closing remarks, as the NATO summit on Wednesday threatens to scramble to retaliate over Ukraine’s gratitude for its Western support.
U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan echoed Wallace’s comments about “gratitude,” denying that the United States had helped undermine NATO’s position on Ukraine.
At a side event on the final day of the two-day NATO conference, he said, “I think the American people deserve some degree of appreciation from the U.S. government and other countries for their willingness to step up their efforts. ‘ said. summit.
Sullivan underlined President Zelensky’s outrage on Tuesday over NATO’s “vague” language about Ukraine joining the alliance, saying some of the accusations against the United States were “completely unfounded and unjustified.”
Sullivan said the United States has “enhanced to provide a vast amount of capabilities” to help Ukraine “effectively defend against the Russian onslaught and reclaim territory.”
This came after President Zelensky launched a surprise blow on Tuesday, saying he did not appear to be “prepared” to pave the way for Ukraine’s NATO membership.
Following a joint communiqué signed by the allies, which said they would “help” Ukraine in advancing reforms for future membership, he said he would be more specific about welcoming Ukraine as a member once the war with Russia is over. called on NATO leaders to provide meaningful commitments. ”.
President Zelensky accused NATO of undermining its loyalty to Ukraine, using “vague language” with few concrete guarantees.
But he delivered a brighter closing speech on Wednesday after a series of “successful” bilateral talks with NATO leaders.
President Zelensky praised the “energy” of the NATO summit, which saw the Ukrainian flag on almost every streetlight in Vilnius, and said Kiev was “really grateful” for the Western support.
Ukraine will be given new security as part of an agreement signed by G7 countries in Vilnius on Wednesday. Sunak announced a new military aid package, including more than 70 combat and logistics vehicles and several months’ supply of ammunition.