FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT
BRUSSELS – The Western reaction to the Russian invasion of Ukraine is felt on two fronts. On the one hand, NATO has decided to strengthen its presence on the eastern flank. On the other hand, many countries have decided to send logistic material, medical aid and even defensive weapons to Kiev. On this front, the effort differs from country to country, but it is not trivial, especially since Germany, traditionally reluctant in this field, is also participating.
“We will continue to provide political and practical support to Ukraine while it continues to defend itself and we invite others to do the same,” explained an Atlantic Alliance official interviewed by Sole 24Ore. “NATO allies have been supporting Ukraine for many years to help defend itself. NATO itself is helping to coordinate Ukrainian requests and is supporting allies in providing humanitarian and non-lethal support ». According to information gathered in Brussels and other Western capitals, over a dozen governments have decided to offer their help. Below, a non-exhaustive and constantly evolving list of the material made available to Kiev.
The European contribution
Let’s start with the European contribution, which also reveals a certain cohesion among the Twenty-seven, in the wake of the recent EU sanctions against Moscow.
Among the countries of the West, Holland said he wanted to send 3,000 combat helmets and 2,000 ballistic vests with associated armor plates; 30 metal detectors and two robots for detecting land and sea mines; two ground surveillance radar systems and five weapon tracking radar systems; 100 sniper rifles with a total of 30 thousand ammunition. Another 200 anti-aircraft missiles have been announced. Belgium is supplying Kiev with 2,000 machine guns and 3,800 tons of fuel, while France spoke of the upcoming arrival of defensive weapons. Also in Germany he is working hard after having sent 5,000 helmets in the past few weeks, causing many to smile. The federal government has just cleared the shipment of 500 missiles and 1,000 anti-tank mortars. The caution, a reflection of German history, remains, but the effort is there and is tangible.
On the Baltic front, Estonia announced the dispatch of anti-tank missiles, mortars as well as field hospitals. The country then strengthened its cooperation with Kiev to better counter cyber attacks. Latvia promised anti-aircraft missiles, and so did it Lithuania. Among the countries of central Europe, it should be noted the Czech Republic which also sent ammunition, this time for a value of 1.5 million euros. Other weapons totaling € 7.6 million are expected shortly. Also in Poland he promised defensive ammunition. Slovakia instead it announced the dispatch of medical supplies and two demining kits, worth 1.7 million euros.