US aid to Ukraine: Stoltenberg says delay had consequences, but it's not too late

Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)

The approval by the House of Representatives of the United States of America of a package of aid to Ukraine did not come too late. However, the delay had consequences, according to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

"It's not too late, but, of course, the delay has had real consequences," Stoltenberg said, responding to whether US aid would arrive on time to change the situation.

In recent months, the enemy had the upper hand in certain areas of the front due to Ukraine's lag in armament.

"But it’s not too late. The Ukrainians had demonstrated enormous skill in defending their country. We must remember where we started at the beginning of this war," added the Secretary-General, recalling the "experts'" predictions of the capture of Kyiv in three days.

The Secretary-General said that since the start of the full-scale war, Ukraine has liberated 50% of the territories occupied by the enemy.

"They are able to shoot down Russian missiles, conduct deep strikes, and also open up a corridor in the Black Sea. So provided that we deliver weapons, the Ukrainians will prevail," Stoltenberg said.

US assistance to Ukraine

Recently, the US House of Representatives voted to provide assistance to our country. The bill provides for $60.84 billion, some of which will be spent on replenishing the reserves of the States. Other funds will go to:

  • purchasing advanced weapon systems and defense services;
  • current US military operations in Europe;
  • continuing accountability for aid to Ukraine.

As reported by The New York Times, Ukraine could receive the first batch of aid just days after the bill is signed by the White House chief, Joe Biden.