Andrij Melnyk is known for his clear statements.Image: keystone
Andrij Melnyk calls for more weapons for Ukraine. He speaks of a “disastrous” situation – and has suspicions.
02/05/2026, 06:4102/05/2026, 07:29
Thomas Wanhoff / t-online
The former Ukrainian ambassador to Germany and Brazil and deputy foreign minister, Andrij Melnyk, sees the situation in his country as “disastrous”. After the US withdrew its aid, Ukraine’s current representative to the United Nations criticized the reluctance of its European allies.
He spoke on broadcaster Phoenix about how Europe had taken on “such an observer role”. The pressure from the USA on Russia is too low. Europe must not only impose further sanctions against Russia, but also increase arms deliveries. “The reason why the situation in Ukraine looks so disastrous at the moment is very simple: the USA has been absent as the largest military ally for over a year,” said Melnyk.
The Europeans could not have increased air defense capacity. “The number of drones flying towards our cities has increased thirty-fold or even more,” said Melnyk. It is no longer possible to protect the energy infrastructure.
“That’s why the whole country is now on the verge of collapse. This will also have consequences for Europe.”
He calls on allies, “including German friends,” not just to watch how the talks in Abu Dhabi go, but to strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating position. It is now about urgency and about “closing the sky over Ukraine”. However, it will take a few months until the recently approved EU aid arrives. Air defense must now be strengthened. Russia prepared meticulously for the winter and coordinated the attacks perfectly. “Ukraine was unable to repel these attacks.”
Melnyk expressed suspicions about the lack of military aid. He has the impression that because of the Russian threat, European countries are keeping their air defense supplies to themselves.
“Ukraine seems to be falling by the wayside.”
Talks in Abu Dhabi should continue
Talks between Ukrainian and Russian negotiators under US mediation are set to continue in Abu Dhabi, with no signs of a breakthrough. The work was substantial and productive, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Rustem Umerov said on X on Wednesday after the end of the first day of negotiations.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, will also take part in the two-day consultations in the United Arab Emirates. According to insiders, the discussions will continue on Thursday.
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