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As Ukraine seeks to mend its strained ties with the U.S. government, which recently suspended military support, officials in Kyiv express confidence in their ability to maintain their extensive front line amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.
However, soldiers stationed along the front lines voice concerns regarding recent decisions and the overall communication from Washington.
“It’s not just about the weapons; it’s a representation of support,” commented Roman Kravtsov, a soldier stationed in the Sumy region of northeastern Ukraine, in a conversation with CBC News. “When we lose that support, it affects our morale.”
This suspension of aid marks the latest action from the U.S. administration, which historically has been Ukraine’s primary military ally. The Trump administration is reportedly pursuing a strategy aimed at pressuring Ukraine into peace talks, potentially undermining its position on the battlefield.
The decision to halt military shipments came shortly after a tense meeting in the Oval Office involving U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice-President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was advocating for security guarantees as part of a deal that would grant the U.S. partial access to Ukrainian mineral resources.
Responding to the aid cutoff, Zelenskyy referred to the meeting as “regrettable” and expressed his desire to rectify the situation.
U.S. Withdrawal and European Response
While the U.S.’s withdrawal of military aid is significant, some analysts argue that it may not be devastating for Ukraine. The country has ramped up its own military production and is receiving increased support from European allies, who are set to hold a special summit focused on defence and Ukraine this Thursday.
Experts warn, however, that if the U.S. seeks to exert further pressure on Ukraine, it may leverage other support mechanisms, including withdrawing from intelligence-sharing agreements or restricting access to crucial satellite communications.
Kravtsov, who volunteered for military service in the summer of 2022, noted the transition within his unit from U.S. to European-made weapons, which raises questions about the impact of losing American shipments. Despite possessing a prized American-made M16 rifle, his squad has been equipped with European firearms as of late.
Nonetheless, he emphasized the continued use of U.S.-supplied equipment, such as Humvees, during operations near Russia’s Kursk region, indicating that a loss of U.S. aid could be detrimental.
“Naturally, I’m concerned,” he said, stressing the increased significance of drones as a transformative force on the battlefield.
Domestic Production Gains
Ukraine claims its capacity to manufacture millions of drones annually, which reflects a shift in warfare dynamics and a reduced dependence on U.S. supplies.
Data from the Kiel Institute for the World Economy indicates that since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, the U.S. has allocated nearly $70 billion for military assistance to Ukraine. However, the share of U.S. equipment within Ukraine’s military inventory has been declining.
“The U.S. no longer holds the same leverage it did three years ago,” said Oleksandr Kraiev, director of the North American program at Kyiv-based think tank Ukrainian Prism.
He pointed out that while 76 percent of supplies were U.S.-originating at the start of the conflict, this figure has shifted to 40 percent of ground forces’ needs being met through domestic production, with approximately 30 percent sourced from Europe.
Kraiev believes Ukraine is in a more advantageous position than it was last spring during previous delays of U.S. military packages, which had resulted in significant ammunition and missile shortages for air defense systems.
“We have enough artillery stockpiles to manage the current situation,” he added. “Although we may not receive sufficient armored vehicles, offensive operations are not being carried out at this time.”
Essential U.S. Support
Despite these developments, Ukrainian forces continue to rely heavily on American air defense systems essential for safeguarding urban areas.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal highlighted that the pause in U.S. assistance jeopardizes the maintenance and repair capabilities for Patriot missile systems.
Kraiev also reassured that the suspension of aid won’t terminate intelligence-sharing cooperation or impact access to Starlink, the satellite internet system vital for communication in rural regions of Ukraine.
Starlink, managed by Elon Musk, who holds a senior advisory role in the Trump administration, remains crucial for frontline communications. “We’ve received no signals indicating that Starlink will be shut off. We are hopeful it will remain operational,” Kraiev stated, emphasizing its significance as the most valuable asset provided by the U.S.
Meanwhile, Eutelsat, a French satellite company, has announced its intention to collaborate with European governments to enhance connectivity in Ukraine during talks about expanded support initiatives.
WATCH | Britain calls for coalition of European nations to support Ukraine:
U.K. calls for a coalition to support Ukraine’s defence
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently urged a coalition of European nations to bolster Ukraine’s defense against Russia, noting that while Europe must take a leading role, U.S. involvement remains crucial.
Upcoming EU Summit
In response to the U.S. aid suspension, European nations are quickly ramping up their defense spending, with EU leaders scheduled to convene in Brussels on Thursday to discuss a proposed $840 billion plan aimed at strengthening regional defenses and providing further military support to Ukraine.
Kraiev anticipates that Europe will indeed take on a larger role in supporting Ukraine moving forward. Nevertheless, he believes that repairs in relations with Washington are possible and that both nations can negotiate a new arrangement regarding mineral resources.
“Trump still has a strong interest in the Ukrainian economy and potential profits,” Kraiev stated, adding, “Though he may be seen as self-centered, we understand how to engage constructively with him.”
Source
www.cbc.ca