TANKS A LOT
Zelensky insists Ukraine IS grateful for Western weapons after Ben Wallace blasted ‘I’m not Amazon’
UKRAINE should show more "gratitude" for the West’s support against Vladimir Putin, Ben Wallace said today.
The Defence Secretary also likened Volodymyr Zelensky’s demands for supplies to an online shopping list.
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He said that last summer he drove 11 hours to Ukraine only to be presented with a list of requested supplies - and told them: “I’m not Amazon.”
The Ukrainian President hit back, insisting: "I think we have always been grateful to the UK, the PM and Mr Wallace."
He added: "I just don't know what he means?
"How else should we be thankful? Let him write to me how to thank people so that we are fully grateful.
"And we can also wake up in the morning and thank the minister…”
But sparking a possible row, Rishi Sunak distanced himself from his Defence Secretary’s comments, saying Mr Zelensky has “expressed his gratitude for what we've done on a number of occasions”.
At a press conference the PM added: "I know that he and his people are incredibly grateful for the support we have shown, the welcome that we have provided to many Ukrainian families, but also the leadership we have shown throughout this conflict."
Mr Sunak insisted "people across Ukraine are fighting for their lives and freedom every single day" and so Mr Zelensky's "desire to do everything he can to protect his people" is understandable.
The remarks came at the Nato summit in Vilnius where allies have agreed in principle to eventually grant Ukraine membership.
Mr Zelensky had fumed that he was cut out of the negotiations and blasted the delays to accession.
Mr Wallace told reporters: “There is a slight word of caution here, which is whether we like it or not, people want to see gratitude.
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“My counsel to the Ukrainians is sometimes you’re persuading countries to give up their stocks.
"And yes, your war is a noble war and we see it as you waging a war not just for yourselves but for our freedoms.
He said Zelensky had to persuade uneasy American congressmen and “doubting politicians” that it was worth helping him.
Shortly afterwards Mr Zelensky sent a gushing tweet saying he was “grateful” for the UK’s support.
It followed a bilat with Rishi Sunak who told him: “It’s good to see you in Nato where you belong.”
Western leaders tried to patch up with President’s Zelensky with a jovial first meeting of the Nato-Ukraine Council yesterday.
Appearing to bury the hatchet, the Ukrainian Prez said: “You are truly the leaders in support for Ukraine. We really appreciate it.”
He added at a press conference: “We understand that some are afraid of talking about our [Nato] membership now because no one wants to have a world war.
“This is logical and understandable. Ukraine is fighting and it surely understands that it can’t be a member as long as the war continues. This is absolutely clear.”
In Vilinus Mr Sunak praised the UK for leading the West in its stalwart support for Ukraine.
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"We've led the way on Ukraine, moving first on tanks and long-range missiles and training their troops for the counter-offensive," the PM said.
"Just today I've announced that we are providing more ammunition, 70 more combat vehicles as well as a new rehabilitation centre for injured Ukrainian veterans."
The PM argued "meaningful progress" had been made on Ukraine's journey to be a fully-fledged Nato member.
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He said: "I think this summit has been, as I said, a very important moment because you had the alliance affirming unequivocally that Ukraine's rightful place is in Nato and Ukraine will become a member of Nato.
"And we saw at this summit meaningful progress on that path towards eventual membership."
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