Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky is on his way to the United States, where he will meet with US President Joe Biden and address Congress. As far as is known, Zelensky is leaving his country for the first time since the Russian invasion. “The timing is fantastic,” says former army commander Mart de Kruif.
According to De Kruif, Zelensky’s visit to Washington will have a big impact. Zelensky has become – himself – the symbol of the Ukrainian people’s resistance to the invasion. This is now coming to full fruition in Congress. He will help tremendously with advertising. Both Biden and Zelensky could use this support.” It is Zelensky’s first visit, according to De Kruif “to his most important partner who currently provides three-quarters of all military and economic support to Ukraine”.
Advanced system
Congress is also debating today a new $45 billion aid package for Ukraine that will likely include Patriot defense systems. “That part alone costs 1.8 billion,” foreign commentator Bernard Hammelburg told BNR today. “It’s a super advanced system with its own radars, launch pads and communication networks,” adds De Kruif. “This system is so effective that it only takes seconds, a minute at most, to determine whether you intend to deploy a weapon or not. It’s high-tech, maintenance is difficult, and operation is a trade. All of this needs to be trained, which will probably happen somewhere in Europe.’
De Kruif has trouble estimating when it will be completed. ‘In the army it takes about six months, this can be done much faster, even with people experienced in air defense. But I’d be surprised if it was up and running in two months.’
Timing
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin is also meeting today with senior officials from Russia’s Defense Ministry. “We think Putin will announce that he is switching to a war economy and prepare his people for a long war,” says De Kruif. He may even announce changes in defense leadership. Those rumors go too. So there’s a lot happening off the front right now.’
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
