British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said on Wednesday that he had warned Ukraine that its international allies were “not Amazon” and that Kiev needed to show its gratitude for arms donations to persuade Western politicians to give more.
London has been one of kyiv’s staunchest supporters since Russia’s invasion last year, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said Britain and its allies will double down on their support for Ukraine.
But Wallace warned that Ukraine had to persuade US lawmakers and “dubious politicians in other countries, that it’s worth it,” and that “like it or not, people want to see gratitude.”
Wallace was speaking on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Lithuania in response to a reporter’s question about Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky’s complaints that Kiev had not been given a deadline to join the alliance.
Wallace recalled that he had traveled to the Ukraine last year, where he was presented with a weapons purchase list.
“You know, we’re not Amazon,” he said, referring to the giant American tech and retailer. “I told them that last year, after I drove 11 hours to get a grocery list.”
On Wednesday, Zelensky softened his tone, saying that the results of the summit had been good, although there had been no formal invitation for Ukraine to join NATO, and that he had received positive news about more aid.
At a news conference, Zelenski said he did not understand Wallace’s comments.
“We’ve always been grateful to the UK, the prime ministers and the defense minister because the people always support us,” he said.
“I didn’t understand what he meant and how we could be more appreciative. Maybe the minister wants something special, but we have wonderful relationships.”
When asked about Wallace’s comments, Sunak stated that Zelenski had been grateful for the support given thus far and that more support would be available as needed.
“President Zelensky has expressed his gratitude for what we have done on several occasions,” Sunak told a news conference at the Vilnius summit.
“I fully understand Volodimir’s desire to do everything possible to protect his people and stop this war, and we will continue to give him the support he needs.”
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