News Desk: Slovakia’s agreement to send a Soviet-era S-300 air defense unit to Kiev with the blessing of the United States made the war in Ukraine to a new phase.
Kiev’s allies are now focusing on sending the necessary help to counter the impending attack by the newly centralized Russian forces and to prepare Ukrainian forces for a possible protracted war, the New York Times reported.
At the start of the Russian offensive, the NATO countries immediately sent short-range, tank, and anti-aircraft defense weapons to Ukraine, including Javelin, NLW, and Stinger missiles. They are lightweight, easy to carry, technology-dependent, and can be used with little training.
But now allied governments are showing interest in sending heavy weapons, such as tanks and S-300s, which they believe will be useful in the upcoming war.
The S-300, capable of hitting targets in the sky from Russian-made ground, is mainly used to bring down enemy aircraft.
“Our decision is based on the real situation on the ground,” said Lithuanian Deputy Defense Minister Margiris Abukevicius, who arrived in Washington a few days ago for diplomatic talks.
The United Kingdom on Saturday said it would provide 120 armored vehicles and new anti-ship missiles to Ukraine’s military. Earlier in the day, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced plans to send ১৩ 130 million worth of military equipment to Ukraine. Armored vehicles and anti-ship missiles were added.
The New York Times writes that the conflict between the two major armies could continue for a long time, as neither side has given up the fighting mentality – Western officials are increasingly speculating. That is why Ukraine’s demand for weapons is changing.
The commanders of the Kiev forces are now seeking better air defense and long-range weapons than the weapons they have to protect numerous troops east of Ukraine. Even so, the US administration has so far refused to provide Ukraine with any weapons that could cause a major blow to Russia. Many military analysts say the damage to Russian military bases could boost Ukraine’s ability to cope with a new attack on Moscow.
A few days ago, the Joe Biden administration announced that it was working with US allies to send Soviet-era tanks to Danbus to bolster Ukrainian forces’ defenses.
Over the past few weeks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly asked the United States and its Western allies for tanks and warplanes.
Ukrainian forces are more adept at wielding Soviet weapons than were deployed in the Warsaw Pact countries during the Cold War.
The NATO member states of Eastern Europe still have such huge arsenals; Countries want to give them to Kiev, but instead, they need sophisticated alternative weapons.
The Slovak Prime Minister said on Friday that his country had given S-300 to Ukraine; Shortly afterward, the United States announced that it would send Patriot air defenses to Slovakia.
It is unknown at this time what he will do after leaving the post.
The Ukrainians have the same air defense system, they know how to operate it. The S-300 is expected to play a significant role in combating multiple Russian airstrikes simultaneously.
“It’s a very accurate defense,” said Ben Hodges, a retired lieutenant general, and former top European military commander.
Another European diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Friday that no final decision had been made on what kind of weapons would now be sent to Ukraine.
With the thought that the war could last months or even years, Allied war planners are now reviewing what Ukraine may need in the near and long term, he said.
There are complications in this too. Doubts remain over whether the training needed to operate most of the weapons the West possesses could be handed over to Ukrainian forces in the short term.
The Ukrainian forces are now the most skilled at using the weapons they have, and they are succeeding in using them. In addition to these weapons, there is a growing tendency to send weapons that can be used quickly.
Allied countries are also intensifying training activities in neighboring countries. European officials now say that if weapons that require weeks of training, rather than days, change the situation on the battlefield, they need to be sent.
The next few weeks are crucial for the war in Ukraine, analysts say.
European intelligence officials say Putin may have been trying to win the war before May 9; The day of his ‘Victory Day’ speech has been fixed.
Russia celebrates its victory over Nazi forces in World War II on May 9 each year.
Alexander Vindaman, a retired lieutenant in the army who specializes in Ukraine, says Ukrainian forces now need more fighter jets.
About 70 percent of Ukraine’s air force is still intact, but Kiev’s military command is reluctant to use them, fearing it could be difficult to replace them if warplanes are lost in the war, he said.
In addition, Ukraine needs more ammunition and artillery; Even small, medium-range drones can play an important role in combat, says Vindaman.
“The Russians are ahead in sky power. They also have long-range artillery and short-range ballistic missiles. We need to send more weapons to Ukraine if we want to have a level playing field, “he said.
