• Monday, 01 July 2024

Allies, including N. Macedonia, helping Ukraine to defend itself: minister 

Allies, including N. Macedonia, helping Ukraine to defend itself: minister 
Skopje, 25 August 2022 (MIA) - The only wrong decision recently was the Russian aggression against Ukraine and we decided to help and support Ukraine in order to help a country that is under attack to defend itself, Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska said on Thursday. North Macedonia condemned the aggression at the very beginning, she told TV21. "We joined the sanctions imposed toward Russia and we've made three decisions in regards to military assistance for Ukraine's defense upon its request after also being approved by the General Staff of North Macedonia's Army. These donations will be published in a transparent way when the conditions are right and they in no way affect the Army's combat readiness. In 21st-century Europe it is impermissible to be looking at photos of killed children, parents, of waves of refugees. This is why the allies are united in providing assistance and support to Ukraine, which is defending itself," stated Petrovska. Regarding the security in the Balkans and the military drills held in North Macedonia, the Minister said her country is part of the NATO collective defense and that continuous exercises are the way to maintain the trained army capacities. "Krivolak is our national pride and there are constantly exercises there. These exercises along the flyover from a few days ago as well as the landing of F-35 combat aircrafts several months ago demonstrate the strong alliance reaffirming that the allies protect each other," said Petrovska. The country's commitment to regional security, according to the Minister, is also evident through the country's participation in the NATO-led mission in Kosovo, around 70 servicemen, and the EU-led mission Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina.