Ukraine’s Foreign Minister: Resistance and support of partners thwarted the invasion

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expressed his hope that the international community will succeed in stopping the war, through harsher sanctions against Russia, which undermine its economy and capabilities, and force it to resort to a political solution later.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Kuleba added that the support of the Ukrainian partners and the resistance thwarted the plans of the Russian invasion, adding: “We have been working to reform our army over the years, including through the help of partner countries (…) The result was clear on the battlefield. ». “The aim of the Russians was to destroy Ukraine as a country in a matter of days, and they said it frankly from the start. This is why they pushed their full military might against us from all directions in the early hours, but they greatly misjudged Ukraine’s ability and willingness to defend itself. After Ukraine thwarted these aggressive plans, Russia had to abandon its initial goals.

On the economic effects of the war on Ukraine, Kuleba said: “It is difficult to give accurate numbers, while the war is still raging, but Ukraine’s GDP is expected to decline by at least 30 percent in 2022. Inflation could reach 20 percent. In the first quarter of this year. Ukraine’s GDP has already lost 16 percent, leaving a monthly budget deficit of more than $3 billion. So far, the Russian invasion has damaged or destroyed up to 30 percent of Ukraine’s infrastructure at a cost of at least $100 billion. Total economic and infrastructure losses could exceed $1 trillion.”

“We are very grateful to our partners who provide Ukraine with significant financial, humanitarian and military assistance. I urge our friends to keep pace and increase it, because every day of war brings more destruction, and thus increases Ukraine’s needs. As for military aid, more weapons and heavy ammunition are needed.”
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