During the Munich Security Conference in Germany today, Rishi Sunak and US vice president Kamala Harris reiterated their support for Ukraine and the Western alliance.
It was “time to double down,” Mr. Sunak told the conference, on backing for Ukraine’s defense by supplying additional artillery, armored vehicles, and air defense.
In the meanwhile, US Vice President Kamala Harris assured the summit that the US will continue to assist Ukraine and hold Russia accountable for its “crimes against humanity.”
Ms. Harris also cautioned China from supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in a “lethal” manner.
Russia must also be held accountable for the horrific damage it has caused, according to Mr. Sunak.
“Russia has violated the collective security of nations in a series of violations,”
He said that the UK will be the first nation to provide Ukraine longer-range weaponry.
At a private discussion before the main conference, Mr. Sunak and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also agreed to “sustain the record level of international solidarity for Ukraine” and addressed their support for Sweden and Finland’s entry to NATO.
That follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s trip to London, France, and Brussels last week, during which he pleaded with the West to provide his air force F-16 fighter fighters.
In order to debate pressing security concerns including the ongoing conflict in the Ukraine and US-China ties, the Munich Security Conference will bring together like-minded senior leaders from across the globe.
Putin is very incorrect, according to US vice president Kamala Harris, if he believes he can wait us out. Time does not favor him.
The United States of America is pleased to support you in this admirable endeavor.
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, proposed that the EU work with the defense industry of the bloc to speed up and scale up the manufacture of ammunition, which is desperately required on the Ukrainian battlefield.
She recommended that in order to be ready for the mass manufacture of a COVID vaccine, the bloc should use the same strategy it used during the epidemic.
We may consider, for instance, advanced purchase agreements that allow the defense sector to invest in manufacturing lines right away to make them quicker and able to produce more, said Ms. von der Leyen.
“Really, now is the moment to speed up and scale up the manufacture of standardized goods that Ukraine sorely needs, like standardized ammunition.”
In order to discuss a solution to solve the Northern Ireland Protocol, Mr. Sunak is also anticipated to meet with Ms. von der Leyen.
After a briefing phone call from Ms. von der Leyen, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar reiterated his desire for a successful conclusion to talks between the UK and the EU.
The Taoiseach emphasized his sincere desire for a “good resolution that creates a new basis for ties between the EU and the UK,” according to a representative for the Irish Government.
Most significantly, he hoped for a deal that may open the door for the institutions covered by the Good Friday Agreement to be restored.
As things developed, they decided to keep in constant contact over the next days.
Russia and Iran were not sent invitations, but US Vice President Kamala Harris, China’s top diplomat Wang Yi, and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg are anticipated to attend.
Wang made a statement on a dispute between his nation and the US after Washington’s shooting down of a suspected Chinese spy balloon that was flying over US soil.
He repeated Beijing’s claim that the craft was only an unmanned civilian blimp that went off course and called Washington’s response to the event “hysterical” and “absurd.”
Wang continued by asking whether the US intended to destroy each and every balloon in the atmosphere.
In a video address to the conference yesterday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked international leaders to expedite help for his country.
Kyiv worries that necessary supplies won’t arrive in time to fight against further offensives.
We must move quickly, Mr. Zelensky added. Speed is necessary for our agreements, our deliveries, and our judgments in order to curtail Russian potential.
Following Mr. Zelensky, Mr. Macron encouraged friends to “intensify our assistance” for Ukraine in order to help its soldiers launch a counteroffensive.
Mr. Scholz claimed that German cooperation was “intended to stay,” but he also subtly criticized other countries for their ineffective attempts to provide Ukraine with promised tanks.
Berlin has promised to deliver some of its military’s most cutting-edge weapons, but it is having trouble convincing allies to follow suit.
“Those who can supply such combat tanks should certainly do so right now,” Mr. Scholz added.
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