The Ukrainians have been defending their country once morest the invaders from Russia for almost four months. But Putin’s troops are clearly better positioned militarily. New military equipment from Russia keeps arriving in Ukraine. Just recently, an endless train of T-80 tanks was seen in Moscow Oblast, apparently headed for Ukraine, like that «Spiegel» reported.
Ukraine, on the other hand, is dependent on arms deliveries from the West in order to remain combat-capable. The government around President Volodymyr Zelensky (44) repeatedly requests new war equipment. And the defenders’ weapon wish list isn’t getting any smaller. On the contrary.
300 artillery systems assured
Most recently, Mykhailo Podolyak (50), advisor to President Zelensky, presented a remarkable list: he demanded 1,000 155-millimeter caliber howitzers, 300 multiple rocket launchers, 500 main battle tanks, 2,000 armed vehicles and 1,000 drones from the West.
The wish list must have impressed even the senior military officials in the US Army. So far, the US has pledged 108 M777 howitzers and 200,000 rounds to Ukraine. Along with other Western countries like Canada and Australia, the defenders were promised a total of 300 artillery systems. So far from the 1000 required howitzers.
NATO countries can hardly deliver
The West will probably not be able to deliver the 300 required multiple rocket launchers either. 50 such rocket launchers have been assured so far. The Ukraine will probably have to cut corners when it comes to tanks, too. Instead of the 500, the western countries only want to send around 270 main battle tanks to the war country. Ukraine is also unlikely to get 2,000 armed vehicles and 1,000 drones.
It is not clear how Advisor Podolyak came up with the enormous amount of war material required. What is clear, however, is that the NATO members are unlikely to supply as many weapons. Not only because they don’t want to, but also because the numbers are beyond the capabilities of most western countries.
Even the US Army is overwhelmed
The example of the battle tanks makes it clear how high the Ukrainian demands are. Ukraine wants 500 main battle tanks from the west. But Germany itself only has around 250 main battle tanks, and France only has a little over 200 main battle tanks. By the way: Switzerland currently has 134 Leopard 2 battle tanks.
Also the 300 multiple rocket launchers required is a lot. They would make up a good half of the US Army’s inventory. Even with joint efforts, such a delivery will hardly come regarding.
Excessive demands as a negotiation tactic
It is therefore very unrealistic that Ukraine will actually receive the required war material. However, the defenders should also be able to get by with less western weapons. The reason for the inflated numbers might be the desperation of the Ukrainians.
However, the enormous demands might also serve as a bargaining chip. The NATO defense ministers are meeting in Brussels on Wednesday, and the meeting is also said to be regarding further arms deliveries to Ukraine. The aim of the huge demands might therefore be that the negotiations be set higher. (obf)