Oleksii Makeiev in “Early Start”
“You can’t win the war with 14 tanks”
02/21/2023, 10:19 am
Shortly before the anniversary of the beginning of the war, the Ukrainian ambassador praised the German arms aid, but at the same time called for further deliveries. He currently considers a negotiated solution with Russia to be unrealistic.
The Ukrainian ambassador, Oleksii Makeiev, has acknowledged that Germany is now far ahead when it comes to arms deliveries – but they are still not sufficient. “It’s never enough,” said Makeiev in “early start” on ntv. “It would be enough if our troops are well equipped.” You know how many troops Russia still has at its disposal. “Of course we are grateful for any help, but you can’t win this war with 14 tanks.”
Makeiev demanded that the armored coalition of western states should be expanded. In addition, further anti-aircraft systems, artillery shells and guns with a longer range are needed, also from Germany. “We need quite a lot of weapons to protect ourselves and to liberate our territories and our people.” Ukraine is protecting Europe, almost on behalf of NATO, from an attack from Russia.
Shortly before the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, however, the Ukrainian ambassador praised Germany’s increased commitment to supporting his country. “Germany has assumed a leading role on the European continent,” said Makeiev. Above all, he emphasized the delivery of tanks and the promise of further equipment with weapons. “Germany did a lot there.” Makeiev also spoke positively about the training of Ukrainian soldiers at the Bundeswehr base in Munster. The good equipment and tanks would help his country to be successful on the front line. “Germany’s leading role in the formation of this armored coalition should not be underestimated.”
The ambassador called on Chancellor Olaf Scholz to state that Ukraine must win the war. “I very much hope that the Chancellor will express that.” But the chancellor and the federal government have long been doing what corresponds to that. In contrast to Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, for example, Scholz has so far avoided phrases like “Ukraine must win”.
Makeiev showed little hope that the conflict would be resolved anytime soon. “Every war ends with negotiations, but we have to create the conditions for someone in the Kremlin to think things over and then come back to the negotiating table.” You don’t see that at all at the moment. The ambassador named the withdrawal of Russian troops behind the international borders of Ukraine as a condition. In addition, the leadership of Russia would have to be held accountable and the costs of the war would have to be paid from there. Makeiev also demanded guarantees that no more attacks could come from Russia.