Europe does not truly support Ukraine

Translating from UNIAN:

"Diplomat criticizes Europe for fear of Russia 

Irina Nesterova, 02.07.25

Ohryzko said Europe's response to Russian strikes in Ukraine remains insufficient

Real security support from the European Union would be if its members helped Ukraine shoot down Russian missiles and drones, because then they would be defending Ukraine the way it is defending them now, former Ukrainian Foreign Minister and head of the Center for Russian Studies Volodymyr Ohryzko said in an interview with Espreso.  

"After being invited to negotiations on joining the EU, Ukraine has finally become part of the European economic and security space. And today, at the cost of great sacrifices, we are defending not only ourselves, but also our European partners," Ohryzko noted.

He said Europe's response to Russia's strikes in Ukraine remains insufficient, saying allies should not fear that when they start shooting down Russian targets, Moscow will consider this involvement in war.  

"I will speak frankly: when our cities are attacked daily by missiles and "Shaheds", and all that comes from Europe is "we will help you someday", it looks weak. After all, the allies already have the ability to shoot down these missiles over Ukraine without fear that Moscow will call it entering the war. This would be real support for security - the Europeans are defending Ukraine the way we defend them. At the same time, they are not entering into a war with the aggressor, but are only eliminating the threat," the diplomat noted. 

He gave the example of the US and UK shooting down Iranian missiles flying towards Israel. However, according to him, no one says that they are fighting Iran.

"Why can't we get the same support from the partners we defend with our own blood? This issue should be key at the president's meetings at NATO and Council of Europe summits. Statements alone are no longer enough - the time has come for action," Ohryzko added."