On Friday, the European Commission (EC) decided to allocate EUR 500 million to European arms companies to increase the production of artillery ammunition, which is intended to supplement their own stocks and also to aid Ukraine. However, the pivotal question remains: to what extent will this assistance fortify Kyiv with the essential weaponry needed to counter the ongoing Russian aggression? To discuss this, TVP World was joined by Gary Tabach, former Chief of Staff, NATO military liaison mission in Moscow.
Tabach said that it is indeed good news that the EU is spending more money on supplying ammunition to Ukraine. “I have been saying it all along that Europe needs to get engaged more... and stop relying so much on the U.S funding of NATO,” he added.
But, Tabach mentioned that while the EU fund “ is definitely a progress,” it may not prove adequate as “the Ukrainians in order to hold on and stay in defensive positions used to get in the last two years about 2 billion [euros – TVP World] a month... so I am not sure how much 500 mln will do.”
But he pointed out that at the moment, every little thing counts, as “Ukrainians are right now taking a defensive mood,” expecting a massive offensive from Russia following the presidential elections. So, “they [Ukrainians-TVP World] need all these weapons. They need everything they can get,” our guest stressed.
Poland has given more than its fair share
Tabach said that “Poland definitely has been giving more than their share in weapons,” and also in taking care of refugees.
He highlighted that Poland not only hosts the largest number of refugees but also that a significant portion of these refugees are employed, actively remitting funds to support their compatriots engaged in the struggle against Russian forces.
“But weaponry is very very important, and Ukrainians are waiting for it,” he stressed.
He also said that in light of the Russian threat, “We [West-TVP World] should beef up Poland. We should be more cooperative with Poland to show Russians that Poles are also standing ready to repel their aggression, and we as a civilized world should not ignore it.”
“We should wake up and start taking serious actions,” he said.
But, Tabach mentioned that while the EU fund “ is definitely a progress,” it may not prove adequate as “the Ukrainians in order to hold on and stay in defensive positions used to get in the last two years about 2 billion [euros – TVP World] a month... so I am not sure how much 500 mln will do.”
But he pointed out that at the moment, every little thing counts, as “Ukrainians are right now taking a defensive mood,” expecting a massive offensive from Russia following the presidential elections. So, “they [Ukrainians-TVP World] need all these weapons. They need everything they can get,” our guest stressed.
Poland has given more than its fair share
Tabach said that “Poland definitely has been giving more than their share in weapons,” and also in taking care of refugees.
He highlighted that Poland not only hosts the largest number of refugees but also that a significant portion of these refugees are employed, actively remitting funds to support their compatriots engaged in the struggle against Russian forces.
“But weaponry is very very important, and Ukrainians are waiting for it,” he stressed.
He also said that in light of the Russian threat, “We [West-TVP World] should beef up Poland. We should be more cooperative with Poland to show Russians that Poles are also standing ready to repel their aggression, and we as a civilized world should not ignore it.”
“We should wake up and start taking serious actions,” he said.
