Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Melnyk: “Biden’s visit gives us hope”

US President Biden’s visit to Kiev shows one thing above all: Ukraine is not alone, says Deputy Foreign Minister Melnyk ARD interview. He called statements by Deputy Prime Minister Kubrakov on the use of cluster munitions “unhelpful”.

ARD: What does Joe Biden’s visit mean for Ukraine?

Andriy Melnyk: This is indeed a visit of the century for Ukraine. It is an important signal – especially today, on the day on which we commemorate the victims of the Maidan exactly nine years ago and shortly before the first anniversary of the great Russian aggression.

This is an important sign for the Ukrainians: that we are not alone, that we can count on the support of our allies, primarily from the United States, but also from Europe. This gives us hope that Ukraine can survive, that Ukraine can and must indeed win this war.

“Important to experience the touch of war”

ARD: There have been rumors about the visit since yesterday evening, and this morning various streets were blocked off. When Biden arrived in Kiev, there was a siren alarm. What does it mean that the US President has now experienced the threat himself?

Melnyk: I believe that it was also a very important personal experience for the head of the White House to experience the whiff of this war here in the middle of the city of Kiev. In this way, he also gets a better idea of ​​the need for help.

We are grateful to Joe Biden for his courage for making this visit. It is gratifying for every Ukrainian that we have such friends, such allies in the United States. But also in Europe. It is also a sign to all supporters: Namely, that you can no longer have red lines when it comes to support.

We hope for new important decisions – maybe not today, but in the coming weeks and months. As for the fighter jets, as for a new coalition, as for more modern weapon systems so that Ukraine can liberate the occupied territories much faster.

Melnyk: “I would be very, very careful” with cluster munitions

ARD: In a recent statement, Deputy Prime Minister Olexander Kubrakow thought aloud about cluster munitions and the use of phosphorus bombs. How do you position yourself on this?

Melnyk: I don’t think that comment was helpful. For Ukraine today, what counts above all are new systems to strengthen the air force and to support the army.

These weapon systems (meaning cluster munitions and phosphorus bombs, editor’s note) are outlawed worldwide. Although Ukraine is not a party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, it is very difficult to talk to our friends about these weapons systems. That’s why I wouldn’t overrate the statements made at the Munich Security Conference.

Ukraine is not asking for anything, just trying to defend itself. In view of the many soldiers, but also civilians who had to die, every possibility was sought to protect them. But I would be very, very cautious about the question of cluster munitions.

“Cluster munitions are not an official request from Ukraine”

ARD: So it’s not the official demand and position of the Ukrainian government, but it’s a thought that a politician voiced out loud?

Melnyk: Kubrakov is a member of the government. Of course he expressed his opinion. That was a heated debate in Munich. Our position is very clear: the lists of the weapons we need have long since been handed over to our allies. What’s at the top now are missiles with range. They are fighter jets, there are other weapon systems and, of course, ammunition – we need all of that right now.

Any further proposal can be discussed – or not. But there is no demand, no official request from Ukraine that we be supplied with cluster munitions.

“Biden shows: The Ukrainians are not alone in this war”

ARD: Joe Biden is the first US President after George W. Bush to visit Ukraine. Joe Biden’s government was also the one that warned about the invasion a year ago. Also, what does it mean for Ukrainian society that he is here now, at this point, a year after the start of the Russian invasion?

Melnyk: This visit shows that Ukraine has real friends in the world that we can count on. It is a pity that his predecessor did not make this visit. This was viewed with great regret in Ukraine at the time.

We hope that the USA – and hopefully the Europeans too – will continue to support us so that this war ends this year. That is the hope of my compatriots, that is the hope of our government. Joe Biden is here with his delegation, he flies the flag, he encourages us and gives us hope. This is something not to be underestimated.

The interview was conducted by Vassili Golod, WDR currently Kiev.

For the written version, the interview was edited and slightly shortened.