After four months of waiting, the United States finally resumed its arms deliveries to Ukraine last week. The reconsideration of the Republicans in the House of Representatives, who were responsible for the delay, comes not a second too soon. Because Ukraine’s position in its fight for survival against Russia has deteriorated noticeably this year, mainly as a result of the serious shortage of ammunition. Not only are the Russians slowly but surely pushing the front line ahead of them since the fall of the industrial town of Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine, the besieged cities, the civilian infrastructure, the Ukrainian civilians and their front troops have suffered greatly from the devastating effect in recent months. of many thousands of Russian missiles, drones, glide bombs and artillery shells. The Ukrainian defenders literally failed to parry all attacks.
The resumption of American deliveries is of course good news for Ukraine. First and foremost, it means that the Ukrainian armed forces will be able to better protect their citizens in the near future. In addition, they will do everything they can to stabilize their weakened position along the thousand-kilometer front line and stop the Russian advance.
The fact that Ukraine has ended up in this precarious position is not only due to irresponsible behavior in the American Congress. Ukraine’s wealthy European allies, whose combined economies make them superior to Russia in every respect, must worry that they are unable to help a country that is threatened with destruction by an out-of-control aggressor in the heart of their continent in Moscow. It is to be hoped that more than two years after the massive Russian invasion, Europe learns the right lessons about the urgency of the problem posed by the Kremlin; There is no indication that this problem will disappear during the rest of the 2020s.
With the resumption of American deliveries, Washington is mainly buying time. Not only for Ukraine, but especially for Europe. With replenished supplies of 155mm grenades, Patriot missiles and other war equipment, Ukraine can probably defend itself for the rest of this year. The arrival of F-16s next summer will help with this. But it would be an unforgivable and historic mistake if Europe cannot take over Washington’s supporting role in 2025.
Ukraine got more good news from Washington. President Joe Biden finally authorized the delivery of Atacms, missiles with a range of 300 kilometers. They even appeared to have been used before the Americans confirmed delivery. Apparently Biden understands that arming Ukraine will not automatically lead to an escalation of the war.
With this long-range missile, Ukraine can finally attack all Russian targets in occupied territory, including deeply hidden in Crimea, such as the bridge to the mainland. The mere knowledge that Kyiv can use the missile against supply lines, military airfields, advanced radar installations and troop concentrations has direct consequences for Russian operations and the planning of their offensive.
The American deliveries by no means mean that Ukraine has been saved. A new Russian offensive is expected this summer, perhaps towards Kharkiv. For the rest of this year, Kyiv will have to make every effort to maintain its current positions. A much greater effort is required for its own counter-offensive, aimed at recapturing the occupied territories. It is hoped that Europe will now prepare in time.
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Tags: NRC ammunition deliveries Washington helping Ukraine buying time Europe
