EU and NATO must provide military aid to Ukraine — Klimkin

The European Union and NATO must find the strength to provide military assistance to Ukraine, said Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs Pavlo Klimkin in an interview with the German radio station Deutschlandfunk, reports Ukrainska Pravda. The interview aired on Sunday, August 17, but the conversation took place earlier, before Klimkin's departure to Berlin for consultations with the foreign ministers of the Russian Federation and the Federal Republic of Germany. Klimkin noted that a decision on military aid will be a difficult but important step for these organizations. "This really is a difficult question for the European Union and NATO -- what to do if a European country is fueling war in Europe," he said. "If the answer (from NATO and the EU) is that 'we are not able to do anything significant here,' then the question naturally arises whether you can continue to be viewed as a serious partner." "Of course we need military help, because if we get such help it will make it easier for our troops on the (ATO) front. However, we will take control of the situation regardless," he added. Pavlo Klimkin indicated that he was not referring to the involvement of Western soldiers but rather to other forms of military support. He said he expects that a decision on the matter will be taken at the NATO summit to be held September 4-5 in Newport, Wales. According to Klimkin, Ukraine is counting on a multipart decision by NATO that would include  political support, increased aid for Ukraine's armed forces,  help in carrying out reforms, and assistance in such areas as counter-terrorism and cyber security. Earlier, the representatives of the NATO member countries announced they were close to agreement on ways to help Ukraine. It is known that Ukraine will be a major issue at the NATO summit in Newport. President Poroshenko has already confirmed his participation in the event. However, Klimkin said he does not expect the question of Ukraine's membership in the alliance to come up since  there is "no consensus" on the matter inside the country. [hr] Translated by Anna Mostovych Source: Pravda