Even though relations between Ukraine and the United Kingdom appear to be at an all-time high and London has shown unwavering support for the Ukrainian cause against the Russians since the start of the war, recent statements by UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace suggest that the UK is becoming impatient with Volodymyr Zelensky’s unquenchable thirst for new weapons.
On Wednesday, July 12th, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace on the sidelines of the Vilnius meeting warned the Ukrainian President against his impatience and insistence on joining NATO. Urging Ukraine to be patient, he reminded him that there was nothing automatic about it, and that in order to guarantee the renewed support of Western nations for Ukraine, it was important to show “gratitude” for the support received. Indeed, he said, it is essential that the Western nations continue to be convinced of the validity of their choices if they are to continue sending arms.
Ben Wallace used a provocative phrase—to say the least—in an indirect response to a journalist who asked him about the uncertain time frame for admitting Ukraine to the alliance. The United Kingdom—and with it its international allies—“are not Amazon,” he declared, judging Ukraine’s constant demands for arms shipments to be somewhat excessive. Wallace was also keen to point out that the allied powers coming to Ukraine’s aid were divesting themselves of their own stockpiles of weapons, which should call on Ukraine to show a little more humility and patience.
Wallace’s annoyance is nothing new. According to The Guardian, the British Defence Secretary already took offence during a trip to Ukraine last year, after receiving a ‘list’ of weapons that Ukraine needed: “I told them last year, when I drove 11 hours to be given a list, that I’m not like Amazon,” Wallace is said to have explained, irritated that Kyiv had developed the bad habit of pressing for a new list as soon as it had obtained the previous one.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky initially preferred to brush it off: “I don’t know what Wallace meant,” he replied. He then ensured that his defence minister contacted his British counterpart by telephone as a matter of urgency to assure him of Ukraine’s deepest thanks for the loyal support of the British.
The Americans also expressed their irritation, and asked for “gratitude,” through U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan. “The American people do deserve a degree of gratitude,” he replied to a Ukrainian activist who criticised Biden’s reluctance to allow Ukraine to join NATO. The similarity of language between the UK and the U.S. suggests that the two countries have coordinated to send a signal of moderation to Zelensky.
