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British Armed Forces Minister in Romania
The British Armed Forces Minister, Leo Docherty who pays a visit to Romania, stated on Wednesday that 2024 is a very important year as regards the war in Ukraine, being ‘critical’ for ensuring the fact that the Ukrainians may consolidate their position and defend themselves appropriately.
‘What we tried to do was to offer an example, making sure that we give Ukraine any munition, technology or equipment available. Your government was extremely generous. We appreciate the generosity and dynamism of the Romanian government as regards the support of Ukraine. It is our responsibility, all of us, taking into consideration the gravity of the operational situation in Ukraine, to see what we can do, as we have to consider this conflict in years, not months’ , he explained, in a press conference held at the headquarters of the Embassy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Bucharest.
Leo Docherty is present for the second time in Bucharest, after the first visit he paid as minister of foreign affairs. He mentioned he had discussions ‘very comprehensive and positive’ with the Romanian minister of Defence and with the Chief of Defence Staff. The British Official mentioned the strong relations between the two states, as well as ‘the constant contribution’ of Romania in NATO.
‘We like to work together with Romania, we know the significant contribution which your country has. This is illustrated by the mission of Air Police we are part of in Romania. Similarly, you go to Constanta to meet the women and men in the British Air forces involved’, he said.
Docherty spoke about the joint effort to support Ukraine, saying that this country fights for its sovereignty. Similarly, he mentioned the ‘generosity’ and commitment’ of the government in Bucharest as regards the support offered to the neighbouring country.
Docherty also said that all European member states of NATO must ensure that they invest enough in the defence.
"We recently announced an increase in military aid to Ukraine from £2.5 billion annually to £3 billion. This represents an increase of 500 million, used to ensure that Ukrainians will have the material, ammunition and technology to defend their country. This is in the context of increased defence spending: up to 2.5% of GDP by 2030. (...) We are having a discussion in the UK about some countries that historically rely heavily on the United States. Those days are over. All European NATO member states have to make sure they invest enough, just like Romania, just like the UK," he stressed.