Recent statements by EU and US signal West's new approach to Ukraine support – diplomat Shcherbak

He made these remarks in an interview on Espreso TV.

He stated, "We are currently witnessing a pivotal moment in history. The outcome of the war between Russia and Ukraine and the recent acts of terrorism by Hamas against Israel will have far-reaching consequences, not only for Ukraine and Europe but for the entire world."

Shcherbak noted that President Biden's stance of equating the actions of terrorist group Hamas and the aggressor Vladimir Putin holds both moral and political significance.

He continued, "Upon deeper reflection, it seems to me that Biden's stance effectively positions Ukraine as the closest ally of the United States, akin to Israel. This, in my view, signifies a de facto recognition of Ukraine's current status, and it might potentially lead to a formal one. While NATO membership remains our preferred status for security reasons, this is a significant step forward."

Shcherbak emphasized that Ukraine's top priority is securing funding from the US Congress, with an aim to receive over $100 billion in assistance, alongside Israel, Taiwan, and support for border security between Mexico and the United States.

He concluded, "I believe that President Biden's speech and the statements made during the EU-US Summit complement each other, marking a crucial shift in Western support for Ukraine. They represent a potential new aid package and highlight the choice faced by the US and the Western world in terms of Ukraine. Our objective is to secure comprehensive assistance, and their role is to provide it."

• On October 20, President Biden delivered a speech addressing the wars in Ukraine and Israel, drawing comparisons between Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Hamas.

• A few hours later, the White House Administration submitted an emergency funding request to Congress, seeking over $100 billion to support both Israel and Ukraine, with a significant portion—$61 billion—allocated for Ukraine.