We need strong historical decisions: Top Ukrainian diplomat

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - Ukraine’s foreign minister on Tuesday thanked NATO allies for their support but highlighted that they "need strong historical decisions" to help protect his nation.

"So now is a time, is a true time of geopolitical certainty, and we need this certainty," Andrii Sybiha told a joint news conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, visiting Brussels as NATO member state foreign ministers meet to discuss important issues, including the Ukraine war.

He stressed that Ukraine needs "strong decisions to strengthen us to strengthen our capacities," adding that they will discuss this with Kyiv's allies.

Accusing Russia of weaponizing both food and energy, Sybiha said that Ukrainian civilians are suffering "probably the most" intensive missile attacks by Russia.

"That's why we need strong, strong historical decisions, instead of calling to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin or instead of visiting Moscow," he said.

Last month, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke on the phone with Putin, the first such conversation in two years.

Sybiha reiterated that Ukraine needs additional air defense systems to protest its energy capacity.

For his part, the NATO chief stressed the importance of keeping Ukraine's energy grid working.

"We cannot have a weaponization of winter in Ukraine," said Rutte, adding that he discussed this "crucial element" with NATO foreign ministers earlier Tuesday.

On air defense, he said they are "doing a lot" but that "more needs to be done" to make sure that Ukraine is as safe as possible.