Dolhonovska: As soon as any military production appears, it’s target number one for the Russians

In a recent interview on Ukraine Calling, concerns were raised over the ongoing lack of Western support for Ukraine amidst war with Russia. Liudmyla Dolhonovska, Chief of Staff at the American University Kyiv, highlighted the critical need for assistance to combat Russian aggression.

The interview, conducted by Brian Bonner, delved into the anxieties gripping Ukraine as the country faces the continued blocking of essential aid. Dolhonovska expressed profound distress over the situation, emphasizing the urgent necessity of support for Ukrainian forces on the ground. She stressed the vital role that American assistance plays in providing weapons and ammunition to defend against Russian incursions.

«I have to admit that we definitely are stressed out. That’s really upsetting. And we need this support, for sure. Our guys on the ground need it. We need weapons. We need ammunition every day», – pointed Dolhonovska

While recent news of a proposed $300 million aid package from the U.S. Congress offers a glimmer of hope, Dolhonovska underscored its inadequacy in addressing Ukraine’s pressing needs. She lamented the potential consequences of former President Donald Trump’s reported pledge to withhold aid to Ukraine if re-elected, cautioning against the detrimental impact on both Ukrainian civilians and military personnel.

«This is a huge responsibility and it would be quite irresponsible not only to leave Ukrainian people without support, to betray us. It will be a huge mistake for the American people because the U.S. president can’t give a chance for Russia, China and other authoritarian regimes to prevail».

Regarding Ukraine’s path to self-sufficiency in weapons production, Dolhonovska painted a sobering picture. Despite possessing capable individuals and a burgeoning military tech industry, she highlighted significant obstacles hindering progress. Economic fragility, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict, coupled with security concerns posed by Russian aggression, present formidable challenges to Ukraine’s efforts to achieve autonomy in weapons production.

«As soon as any military production appears, it’s target number one for Russians», – she stated

Dolhonovska emphasized the importance of continued Western support in bolstering Ukraine’s military capabilities and stabilizing its economy. She cited partnerships with entities like American University’s business accelerator for the military tech industry as promising avenues for growth. However, she underscored the indispensable role of sustained financial aid and security assurances in realizing Ukraine’s potential as a self-reliant producer of military equipment.

Read the full interwiev – Volker: There’s no clear goal from US — «we want Ukraine to defeat Russia»