Looking ahead over the coming weeks, NATO is trying to keep up by training Ukrainians on how to use the new equipment, but also conducting integrated maneuvers.
The Pentagon has announced the end of the course for 635 men in Germany on the Grafenwoehr Range. They are the crews for the Bradley armored vehicles – which arrived in large numbers a few days ago – and for the M109 Paladin SPGs. A training of just five weeks, forced stages to speed up the times. Another 710 elements are ready for the second season, and a similar activity is planned for artillerymen and soldiers who will receive the Stryker armored vehicles. The UK, on the other hand, has said it has prepared 10,000 of these and will expand the program – which will be run with the participation of instructors from partner countries – to a further 20,000. London then decided to secure a plan for fighter pilots (for the post-war period, to be precise), seamen and marines. Westerners have not yet decided whether or not to supply fighters, there have been steps forward and concerns. Washington has currently called out arguing that it has no intention of supplying planes, but added that it has not vetoed if a government is willing to take the step. Today, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Kuleba said he was certain to receive them, a belief mixed with the refrain that new equipment is needed without further delay.
The goal is to create new units, provide better protection for the infantry, provide more modern means than the “Soviet” concepts, but most importantly, teach the troops to move “together”. Therefore, close coordination between detachments of different characteristics, with the use of tanks, light armored vehicles, himars, infantry, special forces and teams with drones. In Kiev they hope that the “Panzergruppe”, i.e. the consortium of states that promised the Leopards, can deliver over a hundred vehicles, and they launch the request for cannon cartridges through official channels and through the testimonies of new men at the front again and again. American sources have announced the signing of a billion-dollar contract for the production of 155mm ammunition, used in large quantities by the Resistance: the factories must guarantee between 12 and 20,000 per month. And it’s not the only deal of its kind.
On the other hand, the dynamic between Belarus and Russia should be followed. Lukashenko, after meeting Putin again, stressed how his industry’s contribution will grow with the future construction of planes for Moscow, heavy trucks and other indispensable materiel to support the invasion. This in the name of close cooperation and a logistical role that replaces the involvement of Belarusians in the fighting. Analysts’ interpretation is that the Kremlin continues to press for extended support. Zelenskyy recently stated that the threat of a front opening by Minsk is currently considered unlikely, but this assessment does not prevent the Ukrainians from having equipment ready in any case to counter an offensive. And therefore it is a distraction from forces useful to the Kremlin.