Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Criticizes 'Infantile' West
Aleksandr Balanutsa has criticized Kiev's supporters for restricting Ukraine from utilizing Western-supplied missiles to strike targets deep within Russia. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Defense for European Integration, Aleksandr Balanutsa, has criticized the backers of Kiev for not allowing Ukraine to utilize Western-supplied missiles for strikes on targets deep within Russia. He cautioned that if Ukraine does not succeed in its efforts, NATO member states located on the bloc's eastern border could find themselves in jeopardy due to Moscow's ambitions.
For months, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has been urging Western allies for authorization to use US-made ATACMS, British Storm Shadows, and French SCALP missiles against internationally recognized Russian territory. While London and Paris have signaled a willingness to proceed, they emphasize that the US must first provide its consent.
The White House, however, appears hesitant, citing concerns about the potential escalation of the conflict in Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has asserted that such a move would draw Western nations directly into the fighting, as he claims that the Ukrainian military lacks the capability to operate these advanced missiles independently.
During a discussion at the Warsaw Security Forum on Wednesday, Balanutsa expressed frustration, stating, "sometimes I think that the collective West, to some extent, is really full of infantilization and ideas. Do we have to even ask the question ‘can Ukraine [have] the right to do this or that?’” He further warned that if Ukraine is not equipped with the necessary resources to halt Russia promptly, Moscow may turn its focus toward the Baltic states, Poland, and Moldova.
"So, what I’m asking is a nice commercial offer: ‘You give me the guns, you give me the weapons, I’ll do the job’… and you will continue having your safe life," the deputy minister remarked.
Balanutsa urged, "We are not infants in Ukraine, and I’m asking my partners also to wake up and grow up a little bit." He also contended that the current capabilities of the Ukrainian military surpass those of NATO, suggesting that the US-led military alliance may actually need Kiev more than Ukraine needs NATO at this juncture.
Following Zelensky’s visit to the US last month, the Wall Street Journal reported that President Joe Biden's administration had yet to agree to his "victory plan," which includes proposals for long-range attacks on internationally recognized Russian territory.
In addition, President Putin recently proposed an update to national nuclear doctrine, stating that "aggression against Russia by any non-nuclear state, but with the participation or support of a nuclear state" should be regarded as a "joint attack," thereby justifying nuclear retaliation.
Olivia Brown contributed to this report for TROIB News
For months, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has been urging Western allies for authorization to use US-made ATACMS, British Storm Shadows, and French SCALP missiles against internationally recognized Russian territory. While London and Paris have signaled a willingness to proceed, they emphasize that the US must first provide its consent.
The White House, however, appears hesitant, citing concerns about the potential escalation of the conflict in Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has asserted that such a move would draw Western nations directly into the fighting, as he claims that the Ukrainian military lacks the capability to operate these advanced missiles independently.
During a discussion at the Warsaw Security Forum on Wednesday, Balanutsa expressed frustration, stating, "sometimes I think that the collective West, to some extent, is really full of infantilization and ideas. Do we have to even ask the question ‘can Ukraine [have] the right to do this or that?’” He further warned that if Ukraine is not equipped with the necessary resources to halt Russia promptly, Moscow may turn its focus toward the Baltic states, Poland, and Moldova.
"So, what I’m asking is a nice commercial offer: ‘You give me the guns, you give me the weapons, I’ll do the job’… and you will continue having your safe life," the deputy minister remarked.
Balanutsa urged, "We are not infants in Ukraine, and I’m asking my partners also to wake up and grow up a little bit." He also contended that the current capabilities of the Ukrainian military surpass those of NATO, suggesting that the US-led military alliance may actually need Kiev more than Ukraine needs NATO at this juncture.
Following Zelensky’s visit to the US last month, the Wall Street Journal reported that President Joe Biden's administration had yet to agree to his "victory plan," which includes proposals for long-range attacks on internationally recognized Russian territory.
In addition, President Putin recently proposed an update to national nuclear doctrine, stating that "aggression against Russia by any non-nuclear state, but with the participation or support of a nuclear state" should be regarded as a "joint attack," thereby justifying nuclear retaliation.
Olivia Brown contributed to this report for TROIB News
