I wasn't asked, but I think the West should start taking seriously that its production of arms and ammunition is (after 20 months of war!) still absolutely inadequate. If we claim (and I agree!) that Ukraine is also fighting for us, then our determination is still much more declarative than real. Those aid numbers look huge, but not compared to how much Russia is putting in on its own.
For the most part, the West has provided what is available, and not all of that. They need to produce more.
When both sides have combat parity then the war will drag on, costing money and lives. $350 billion in aid is not insignificant, but the West needs to commit to producing overwhelming stocks of ammo and equipment to shorten the war.
In aiding Ukraine, we've found that we don't have enough supplies for a prolonged conflict, regardless of whether the western nations are fighting or our allies are fighting. They've used terms like "the barrel is almost empty" to describe stocks. A significant investment will not only aid Ukraine now...or in a year when production is ramped up... but it might prevent future wars through deterrence. And if it doesn't prevent them, it will make us better prepared to fight them.
I really appreciate this weekly tactical reports as a complementary to your strategic orientated work. P.S. that landmine chain reaction gave me a chuckle ...
Thanks again. You started this monday full charged
Thanks a lot for all the work involved and to share with us!
Thanks for the update. In your opinion, what are the top 3 things western governments should do to help Ukraine?
I wasn't asked, but I think the West should start taking seriously that its production of arms and ammunition is (after 20 months of war!) still absolutely inadequate. If we claim (and I agree!) that Ukraine is also fighting for us, then our determination is still much more declarative than real. Those aid numbers look huge, but not compared to how much Russia is putting in on its own.
Except for more heavy weapons, more (artillery & mortar) ammunition, more night vision systems, and more medical equipment....?
The list is endless, and the Ukrainian counteroffensive is coming to a stop because there's too little of everything.
For the most part, the West has provided what is available, and not all of that. They need to produce more.
When both sides have combat parity then the war will drag on, costing money and lives. $350 billion in aid is not insignificant, but the West needs to commit to producing overwhelming stocks of ammo and equipment to shorten the war.
In aiding Ukraine, we've found that we don't have enough supplies for a prolonged conflict, regardless of whether the western nations are fighting or our allies are fighting. They've used terms like "the barrel is almost empty" to describe stocks. A significant investment will not only aid Ukraine now...or in a year when production is ramped up... but it might prevent future wars through deterrence. And if it doesn't prevent them, it will make us better prepared to fight them.
Looks like an army AD system on the back of that Corvette?
Thanks Don for the reports some very good information
I really appreciate this weekly tactical reports as a complementary to your strategic orientated work. P.S. that landmine chain reaction gave me a chuckle ...