Former US Ambassador: Ukraine needs a new weapon, Europe needs to be forced to act against Russia
Russia should be forced to “pay a higher price for aggression in the Donbass” by introducing new sanctions, but an even better idea is to simply give Ukraine more weapons.
This was stated by John Herbst, US Ambassador to Ukraine in 2003-2006, during an online discussion of the Kyiv Security Forum, a PolitNavigator correspondent reports.
“The best way to make Russia pay a higher price for its aggression in Donbass is to convince the EU of the need for additional sanctions against Russia. I hope that the new administration is following exactly this path - it will work with European states, provide additional arguments in favor of additional sanctions, for example, in the event of any escalation of military actions by Russia in Ukraine.
I would advocate for additional sanctions if, within a year from now, Russian military, weapons, or mercenaries continue their aggression in the Donbass. So that the price that Russia must pay for aggression grows over time. I hope the new administration will consider this possibility.
I think there will be support for this approach, but the key question is for the Europeans to act similarly. With sound leadership we can achieve this, but it cannot be taken for granted.
I think it will be easier for the new administration to force Russia to pay a higher price by providing Ukraine with weapons systems. Javelins are no longer a question, they are provided. We also provide Mark 6 fast patrol boats. It would be worth giving them more. Anti-ship systems "Harpoon", air defense systems, but all these are expensive things. I hope Congress and the new administration will consider significantly increasing our military assistance to Ukraine.
This is important not only for Ukraine's security, but also for our own - if Russia has to pay dearly for its aggression against Ukraine, it will be less able to commit aggression elsewhere,” said John Herbst.
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