Ukraine has enough weapons to wage war until summer without US aid - Wall Street Journal
Ukraine will be able to maintain the current pace of fighting until the summer even without US military assistance, but at the same time, the country may face a shortage of ammunition and critical weapons.
This was reported by The Wall Street Journal, citing current and former Western officials, Censor.NET reports.
According to Celeste Wallander, a former senior Pentagon official, the large batches of weapons that Joe Biden's administration transferred or contracted before the change of power will allow Ukraine to continue fighting at least until mid-year.
Europe is trying to compensate for the possible deficit. In 2024, the EU, the UK, and Norway provided $25 billion in military aid to Ukraine, more than the US provided in the same period. European partners plan to increase support to $30 billion in 2025.
As noted, Ukraine has also significantly increased its own ammunition production, which is now estimated at $30 billion a year - six times more than last year. In general, according to one Western official, the country meets about 55% of its army's needs on its own, while the US supplies 20% and Europe 25%.
However, some critical U.S. weapons, such as advanced air defence systems, long-range artillery, and precision-guided missiles, currently have no alternative. The absence of these supplies could significantly reduce Ukraine's long-range strike and rear defence capabilities.
"Having a partner that supplies you with the highest quality military technology is by definition indispensable in some areas," said Tomáš Kopečný, the Czech government's special envoy for Ukraine's recovery.
On the eve of the change of administration in Washington, Biden's team reportedly signed contracts with US manufacturers for the purchase of weapons for Ukraine, which will ensure supplies until 2026.
"This was in support of what we understood to be the strategy of the new administration: Negotiate from a position of strength and show Putin that Ukrainians can continue to fight," Wallander said.
