Striving for Survival: Ukraine's Shift inDefense Strategy From Reliance to Resilience
"New German Chancellor Pins Our Expectations"
Expert minds in the heart of Kyiv are brainstorming ways for Ukraine to withstand its adversary, Russia, potentially without the help of the USA. With transatlantic support from NATO under question due to US President Donald Trump's rule, there's a growing need for a "Plan B," says a former diplomat. Is peace a possibility? Can weapons decide the war's outcome?
Poroshenko, Ukraine's former President, shares his concerns on the sidelines of the Kyiv Security Forum, "We're in the thick of it, in an extremely challenging situation. We struggle not just for personnel and technology, but for ammunition, shells, and weapons, especially air defense. We're pinning our hopes on the new German Chancellor. I've had a chance to speak to him recently, and I was impressed by his ardor for boosting and showcasing Germany's leadership role across all of Europe."
Politics - Shifting Alliances
Since Trump took office, there's been a noticeable fracture in the Western alliance. Ukraine, a territory held by Russian forces for more than a decade, isn't willing to accept the cracks. This theme kicks off the event, where experts worldwide gather, including from Germany. Ukraine's former PM Arseniy Yatsenyuk appeals to the allies, "Eighty years ago, the free world stood up to Hitler. We did it then, and we will restore world order again."
Arming for Victory
Innovative weaponry is essential for military success, and Yatsenyuk draws parallels with history. When appeasing Hitler in 1938 was fatal, Hitler invaded Ukraine on a large scale. Today, Putin plays by a different set of rules than Trump. He warns China and the Global South, "Those who claim neutrality or pose as mediators must understand that you cannot be neutral in this war, you must take sides, or you are complicit."
Later, Trump's former Ukraine envoy, Kurt Volker, takes the stage and confesses Russia will never agree to peace. Trump's administration exerts pressure on Ukraine but puts little pressure on Russia, Volker clarifies. Clear pressure on Moscow is needed to push Russia toward a ceasefire. Trump misunderstands Putin's motivations, as he is driven by good deals.
Following Putin's Game
Merz sees a ceasefire in the near future as a possibility. The critical question remains: which weapons could decide the war, with US aid running low? Ukraine needs drones, says Vyacheslav Shutenko, commander of a battalion for unmanned systems. "Unmanned systems are no longer secondary tools. They're decisive on the battlefield." Shutenko underscores the need for scalable drone production and continuous supply to achieve victory.
Drones are key, but not enough for lasting victory. Well-trained personnel for infantry and attack units matter, but international support is vital as well, consisting of diplomatic measures, sanctions, air forces, and artillery. The Russian Army is one of the most powerful in the world, so Ukraine needs everything to fight against it, explains Shutenko.
Peace talks have been challenging for Ukraine so far, says security expert Julia Kazdobina in an interview on the sidelines of the forum. U.S. government efforts have been misguided, she explains, as they attempt to establish peace without considering the history and reasons for the war. They treat both sides equally, ignoring the fact that Russia is the aggressor; concessions to Russia won't solve the situation.
Role of Germany
While the article doesn't highlight recent changes in Germany's role, it's essential to recognize Germany's critical support in Ukraine's defense efforts as part of European security. Germany has provided military, financial, and diplomatic aid, helping Ukraine resist Russian aggression within a broader European undertaking opposing Russian expansionism. Though more detailed information about changes in Germany's strategy due to the shift in U.S. support policies is unavailable, it's likely that Germany will continue to play a crucial role in supporting Ukraine.
- Attack on Ukraine
- Ukraine
- Russia
- Friedrich Merz
- Ceasefire
- Arms Delivery
- Donald Trump
- Vladimir Putin
Additional insights:- To survive against its adversary, Ukraine has been focusing on developing domestic defense capabilities and leveraging advanced technologies such as software, drones, and autonomous systems, all within an affordable and adaptable framework[5].- Ukraine's military has become more agile and innovative, drawing lessons from the conflict to adapt strategies and tactics effectively[3].
- Ukraine, in the absence of consistent US support and in the face of Russian aggression, is turning its attention to EC countries for economic and social cohesion, hoping to bolster its defenses and restore peace.
- The former President of Ukraine, Poroshenko, has reached out to the new German Chancellor, expressing optimism about Germany's potential leadership role in revitalizing Europe's unified front against conflict.
- In light of the fraught political landscape and the looming threat of war-and-conflicts, discussions on WhatsApp groups among political strategists have become increasingly common, as they seek creative solutions to address the lack of General News support from NATO and the US.
- As diplomatic pressure mounts, experts warn of the potential consequences of Donald Trump's policies on the stability of Eastern European nations, particularly Ukraine, and the maintenance of political alliances in the face of war and conflict.
