Streeting warns: Winter in Ukraine is no longer a season
British defense minister urges allies to urgently bolster Ukraine's air defense, especially deliveries of interceptors that are running low as Russian attacks continue unabated.
British defense minister urges allies to urgently bolster Ukraine's air defense, especially deliveries of interceptors that are running low as Russian attacks continue unabated.
British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting issued a strong appeal to allies to strengthen Ukraine's air defense ahead of the coming winter, warning that Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to use the cold months as a weapon against Kyiv. His call came after returning from Ukraine and one of the deadliest nights since the war began.
In an op-ed for the Sunday Times, Streeting was blunt. "Winter in Ukraine is no longer a season. It is a weapon," he wrote, adding that "Ukrainians know what winter brings and how it can change the picture." His visit to Ukraine last week aimed to discuss preparations for a period in which Moscow has systematically targeted energy infrastructure in previous years, attempting to break the country's resistance.
"I return from Kyiv with a clear understanding of what Ukraine needs to get through this winter," Streeting said. He emphasized the UK's readiness to provide assistance, but also his role in mobilizing others. "Where the UK can provide those resources, we will. And where we cannot, my job is to mobilize allies to find those capabilities."
Streeting's appeal gained additional weight following Russian missile attacks on August 5 on Kyiv and the surrounding region, which killed 17 people and wounded at least 44. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky directly linked the lack of defense to the loss of life. "Ballistic missile interceptors could have saved the lives of those who died today," he said.
Zelensky warned partners of the serious consequences of delays in deliveries. "It is extremely important that our partners understand that delays in their delivery or unwillingness to provide anti-ballistic systems directly lead to such horrific casualties and destruction," the Ukrainian president stated.
The situation is critical as Ukraine runs out of key air defense missiles, especially those for the American Patriot system, which is the only weapon in its arsenal capable of shooting down Russian ballistic missiles. Deliveries of interceptors from other countries have decreased threefold this year, and global stockpiles have been redirected to the Middle East following the start of the Israel-US war against Iran at the end of February.
Streeting announced that, together with his German counterpart Boris Pistorius, with whom he co-chairs the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, he will focus on turning international support into tangible military aid. "My task... is to translate the goodwill of around 50 countries into concrete assistance; to turn commitment into capabilities," he said. "This must include more resources for air defense."
The next meeting of this group, which brings together Kyiv's allies, is expected to be held in September, and the supply of air defense will almost certainly be at the top of the agenda.
