Western embarrassment is intensifying: what weapons will Ukraine provide to help it defend itself and prevent a worsening of the war?

The initial reaction of the United States and Europe was frightening. There was a lot of fear after the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24. They believed that sending weapons to the Ukrainians would provoke a third world war. After about two months, that fear did not completely disappear, however More and more excellent war equipment is coming to Kiev from Washington and Brussels. This change was aided by the establishment of such iron defenses by the Ukrainians, which forced the Russians to forget their plans to capture the Ukrainian capital – within three days, they said – and withdrew from the north. Now the attack is aimed at “liberating” the Donbass region in eastern Ukraine, connecting the southern ports of the Azov and the Black Sea and a walkway with the already occupied Crimean peninsula. The West is beginning to believe that Ukraine can not only control the Russian invasion but also win the war if it is provided with the appropriate weapons.

Despite some more stubbornness like Germany. The war surprised the Germans They have approved the construction of a new gas pipeline to bring fuel from Moscow to Berlin.. It was eventually suspended, but the government fears it will run out of energy to heat its industry and home. At the same time Many of its politicians have compromised with Vladimir Putin and his relationship with his business.From former President Haggard Schrder to current President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

The White House announced on Thursday that it would send an additional $ 800 million in security supplies to Kiev. Enough material to equip five new Ukrainian artillery battalions. And include 120 new drones Built specifically for this occasion. “The steady supply of weapons” contributed to “stabilizing it.” Putin failed in his initial war goals of capturing and controlling UkraineBiden called on his European counterparts to be generous after the video call.

Putin expressed his anger and sent a warning to Washington: Western supplies of “highly sensitive” weapons systems to Ukraine could have “unpredictable consequences”. Believe it or not, he launched his Chermat intercontinental ballistic missile, capable of destroying a Texas-sized area and carrying up to 15 nuclear weapons. “It makes us think twice about those who threaten us.”Said.

For now, all moves in the west are alert, but not paralyzed. The United States has already provided $ 2.6 billion in security for Ukraine since the war began. The European Union contributed Another $ 1.6 billion. It translates 25,000 anti-aircraft and 60,000 anti-tank weapons, more than 50 million ammunition, 7,000 light weapons, 75,000 bulletproof vests and helmets, As well as night vision goggles, encrypted radios, armored trucks and crew carriers. Most of it comes from US “advance” deposits in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Department of Foreign Affairs Approved transfers of US-supplied defense equipment to Ukraine from more than 14 countriesAccording to a report by General Mark Millie, chairman of the Joint Committee on Congress last week.

This whole process requires enormous organization and integration. Any mistake would lead the Russians to shoot down a plane with supplies And everything will change the proportions. It is run by commanders United States European Command, or Yucom, Stuttgart, Germany. There is also an international donor coordination center set up by the British, which is largely dedicated to humanitarian assistance. The Allies already have a lot of experience in arranging flights in Europe. Very popular Berliner LuftbrookWhen the Soviets besieged the western part of the German capital. Between June 1948 and May 1949, by landing C-47 cargo planes at Templehof Airport, the airlift carried more than 4,000 tons of food daily to Berlin.

There is an involuntary control over the type of weapons that can be supplied to the Ukrainians, which is determined by the fact. If they have the necessary training to use it. Kiev army He is accustomed to handling weapons of Russian / Soviet design And not familiar with the latest American and British technologies. It turned out to be an advantage, in a certain way, because Cold War warehouses were in the right conditions to be used with those types of weapons. MIG29 fighter jets are also being replacedThe Russian product, which is regularly flown by Ukrainian pilots, is on the payroll of almost all Eastern European forces.

This restriction was also brought about Controversy and pressure on NATO members They have weapons suitable for Ukrainian needs. The supply of mortar infantry vehicles in particular is considered to be one of the best armored vehicles in the world, with a large number of German troops, but it The government did not want to surrender for fear of retaliation from Russia. German Vice President Robert Hebeck suggested that the supply of tanks would lead Germany to war. “Heavy weapons are similar to tanks, and more All NATO nations have so far rejected it in order not to make themselves targets“, He said.

A similar situation is developing with other countries. There is a particularly high demand for standard Soviet block 152-millimeter howitzer shells. NATO uses a different projectile, 155 millimeters. India, Pakistan and Afghanistan are allies of the United States, but they fear the wrath of the Russian bear.

Others try to keep everything secret. Poland supplied 100 Soviet-era T-72 and T-55 tanks to Ukraine, but publicly denies this. And some are not shy and talk about their help. The Czech Republic has officially announced the delivery of T-72 tanks and BMP-3 armored personnel carriers.The Slovak government boasted of providing the S-300 anti-aircraft missile system, dating back to Soviet times.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zhelensky He thanked her again and again for the help he receivedBut he insists he needs more and faster. He acknowledged that their numbers were not enough to defeat Lukashenko’s arsenal. When you talk to them. He told The Atlantic reporters in Kiev last week: “If some leaders ask me what weapons I need, I will be quiet for a minute because I have told them many times. It’s like “Groundhog Day”. I feel like Bill Murray”. He mentions the 1993 film, which turned out to be similar to a recurring scenario.

Groundhog Day has been an American tradition since 1887 Farmers waited until the hibernation period was over, The rodent emerges from its burrow in early February. According to the trust, “Forecast” that winter will last another six weeks Or rather, spring is coming soon. In Ukraine, there are no rodents that can predict anything. It is almost impossible to predict the ups and downs of war. Only weapons are true.

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