Kyiv would agree to borrow money to buy American weapons if all other options were exhausted.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently expressed openness to an idea previously proposed by former US President Donald Trump. Trump, who is seeking a return to the White House, has urged Ukraine to purchase weapons instead of receiving arms aid from the US.

According to Bulgarian Military on April 7, citing Der Spiegel (Germany), Zelensky initially opposed borrowing money to buy weapons from the US, but recent developments have signaled a change in the Ukrainian leader's stance.

In a nationally televised interview on April 6, Zelensky said he believed the U.S. Congress would eventually allocate additional aid to Ukraine, and that Kyiv would agree to borrow to buy weapons if it had no other options.

“Regarding US aid, it is very important regardless. I still believe that we can get a positive vote from the US Congress. Unfortunately, we are almost held hostage in this situation. Unfortunately, the issue of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has now become a domestic political issue in the US, even though it is about world security. And I don't understand this half-hearted approach…,” the Ukrainian President said.

Zelensky also stated that Ukraine is ready to receive funding from the United States in the form of loans.

“A U.S. Senator recently came here and said: ‘Do you agree to a loan?’ We asked: ‘What are the options?’ He said: ‘What if they tell you that this money is a loan, otherwise you won’t get it?’ I said: ‘What are these options for if there are no options?’ So we’ll agree to whatever option is given,” Zelensky recounted.

Distress

The situation on the battlefield is becoming increasingly difficult for Ukraine as Russian forces are making significant advances. According to Zelensky, Ukraine is in a precarious position, and its survival depends on any agreement it can negotiate to maintain its position.

Faced with the choice of accepting an arms loan package now or receiving free aid a year from now, the Ukrainian leader is leaning towards the former, reflecting the urgency of the situation.

The Ukrainian leader said: “In fact, if Ukraine had to choose between being given everything as a loan today, or being given everything for free after a year, we would choose the former. We only have one option – to survive and win. We are trying to do this (seek aid) in many different ways. The important thing is: as soon as possible.”

President Zelensky inspects new fortifications of Ukrainian soldiers in the Sumy region, March 27, 2024. Photo: The Guardian

In a recent statement, the Ukrainian President emphasized that his country needs a minimum of 25 Patriot air defense systems, each with 6-8 batteries. According to the leader, this is to effectively protect Ukrainian airspace from attacks by Russian aircraft. He further stressed that, along with Patriot, the German IRIS-T air defense system has also proven its value in the fight against Moscow.

On the front lines of defense, the Ukrainian armed forces are struggling with a severe ammunition shortage. Their defenses are frequently overwhelmed by the Russian air power. All eyes in Kyiv are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the first batch of F-16 fighter jets from Western allies.

However, countries like the Netherlands and Denmark, which have pledged support through the donation of F-16s, have stated that delivery times depend on the skill level of Ukrainian pilots. Despite hopes that the arrival of F-16s in Ukraine will bring positive results, some Western experts warn that these fighter jets alone cannot make a difference.

"Powerless to do anything"

If the U.S. chooses to provide weapons to Ukraine on a loan basis – a decision seemingly supported by the Republican Party – Ukraine could fall into a serious debt crisis. This possibility would deepen if Ukraine fails in its mission to push back Russian forces and reclaim territories currently controlled by Russia, including Crimea.

The eastern region, currently controlled by Russia, is a center of industry and energy. Another unsuccessful counteroffensive would not only leave territories irretrievable but also burden Ukrainian civilians with massive debt, exacerbating already fragile living standards.

If reality unfolds according to Trump's view that Ukraine should buy, not receive, weapons, this would be a major boost to the billionaire's campaign and a significant victory for Trump in the race for the White House.

Rescue workers battle a fire following a drone attack on Kharkiv on April 6, 2024. Photo: DW

It would be no surprise if he seized on this development to his advantage. Trump could claim that he was right from the start, and that the Biden administration missed a crucial opportunity to significantly boost U.S. arms sales.

Fortunately for Ukraine, across the Atlantic, European sentiment towards them remains unwavering. The European Union (EU) continues to support plans to supply Ukraine with weapons through donations, rather than sales. European nations have also expressed intentions to expand their defense industry capacity to produce at least 1 million artillery shells.

Unfortunately, Europe may be in a "powerless" position, lacking the capacity to produce such a significant quantity within the stipulated timeframe. Worse still, Germany has stated that it will not supply Kyiv with the Taurus long-range air-to-ground missiles. Furthermore, a lack of government contracts has hampered the production of this type of missile .

Minh Duc (According to Bulgarian Military, Ukrainska Pravda)

Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/kiev-se-dong-y-vay-de-mua-vu-khi-my-neu-khong-con-lua-chon-nao-khac-a657972.html