a little gratitude
Western capitals expect Ukraine to express thanks for the military aid that keeps its defenses strong. This stance was voiced by British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace at a public NATO forum tucked into the Vilnius summit on July 11 and 12. The Guardian reported the moment.
“Whether people want to admit it or not, gratitude is expected. Sometimes partners are asked to part with some of their stockpiles of weapons,” Wallace noted, adding that he often needs to persuade lawmakers on Capitol Hill in Washington to move equipment to Ukraine through intense negotiations.
Wallace recalled his June 2022 visit to Kyiv, when Ukrainian officials handed him a list of weapons the Armed Forces of Ukraine required. He said the list reminded him to check current stock at storage facilities. “We are not Amazon warehouses,” he explained, describing the 11 hours spent driving to gather essential weaponry during that trip.
Zelensky’s Critique
The UK defense secretary also touched on President Volodymyr Zelensky’s criticisms of the alliance over the lack of a fixed timeline for Kyiv’s membership. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated at a press conference the previous day that participating states had agreed to move Kyiv toward membership with fewer steps and more clarity. Stoltenberg asserted that Ukraine would one day join the alliance, and that the process would shift toward a single streamlined stage. The declaration signaled a shortened path for Kyiv’s entry into the military bloc.
In response, Zelensky publicly voiced dissatisfaction with the idea of a rapid invitation without explicit conditions for membership. He highlighted his concern on social media, arguing that uncertainty about the process weakens alliance leadership and raises questions about the path forward for Ukraine.
Reports from major outlets noted that Zelensky’s comments drew heated reactions from various members of the American delegation, underscoring the tension around alliance timing and expectations for Kyiv.
Thanks a Lot
Wallace asserted that the Vilnius summit produced tangible benefits for Ukraine, even as Zelensky pressed for clearer guarantees. The secretary noted that the gathering effectively offered Kyiv an eventual invitation to join NATO once the immediate conflict subsides, signaling long term security commitments alongside short term support.
Responding to the secretary’s remarks, Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s deep gratitude for ongoing military aid. He emphasized that Kyiv remains grateful every morning for the assistance received and offered a personal offer to draft a formal note of thanks if needed. During the session, he asked Oleksiy Reznikov, the Ukrainian defense minister, who was present, about his rapport with Wallace. Reznikov described their relationship as excellent and, following Zelensky’s request, publicly thanked Wallace for British military aid. Zelensky also suggested coordinating a direct call between Reznikov and Wallace on the following Wednesday to reaffirm cooperation, reflecting the close, working partnership that characterizes Western support for Kyiv.