US intelligence sees a turning point in the Ukraine war: the West is still faced with the weapons dilemma
Created: 06/17/2022, 05:00
By: Bedrettin Bölükbasi
According to Western intelligence services, the Ukraine war is at a crucial point.
Tough decisions could now be made for the West with regard to military support.
Washington/Munich — "Destruction on a very wide scale": This is how NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg summarized the current situation in the Ukraine conflict at the alliance's headquarters.
Russian leader Vladimir Putin's troops continue to attack Ukraine, primarily aiming to completely capture Donbass.
This map shows where the Ukraine war is raging.
Western intelligence and military officials told US broadcaster CNN that the Ukraine war has now reached a crucial point.
The officials assume different scenarios.
From further Russian advances in eastern Ukraine, to a stalemate or the redefinition of Russian war aims, including declarations of victory and the end of the fighting.
Hard decisions could be on the horizon for the West.
After all, the constant supply of weapons to Ukraine puts a strain on the inventory of its own armies.
Added to this are the economic consequences of the conflict.
Ukraine-News: Problems with training for Western weapons - Ukraine probably doesn't use some of the weapons
In order to be able to effectively counteract Russia militarily, the Ukrainian military needs heavy weapons in particular.
NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg signaled the alliance's willingness to deliver even more heavy weapons.
Germany also gave a historic go for the delivery of heavy weapons and wants to support Ukraine with the Panzerhaubitze 2000, among other things.
The US also supplies M777 howitzers.
Several western countries are joining the deliveries.
Nevertheless, a decisive factor causes problems in the effective support or use of the weapons supplied.
Ukrainian armed forces show a clear preference for Soviet systems, since soldiers are already trained in these weapons and have experience in using them.
When it comes to Western weapons, which are now being supplied in significantly greater numbers than at the beginning of the conflict, Ukrainian soldiers must first be trained.
However, this takes time.
In addition, soldiers who are to be trained must be transported from the front.
However, the Ukrainian military needs every man there.
For example, Ukrainian soldiers appear not to be using the US-supplied high-tech switchblade kamikaze drones, despite the delivery of hundreds of the weapon, CNN reported, citing a source familiar with relevant US intelligence information.
Instead, Ukrainian soldiers would use commercial drones loaded with explosives.
The Himar multiple rocket launcher announced by US President Joe Biden's administration has also still not been deployed as it only needs three weeks of training, an official told CNN.
The Ukraine War in Pictures - Destruction, Resistance and Hope
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Ukraine-News: Dilemma for the West - arms deliveries cause deficits in their own inventory
In the midst of fierce fighting, Western countries find themselves in a dilemma that is plaguing them more and more.
In order to put an end to Russian aggression, Western countries have agreed to support Ukraine with arms, but fear for their own military assets.
Western governments, including the US, are concerned that arms shipments are dragging down inventory critical to their own defenses, CNN reported, quoting a US official: "The concern is legitimate."
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In addition, rising energy prices and high inflation are leading to an unsettled situation.
After all, the economic effects of the Ukraine war are affecting the daily lives of ordinary citizens.
According to the US broadcaster, Western officials fear that support for Ukraine will fade into the background and gradually diminish.
In Germany, too, inflation is now at its highest level for 50 years.
The West is therefore faced with a difficult situation between supporting Ukraine and the economic consequences of the conflict.
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