Can Europe arm Ukraine?
United States President Donald Trump ordered the immediate cessation of military aid to Ukraine on Monday. The Trump administration said it was intended to force all parties to devote themselves to peace talks. As Voice of America correspondent Henry Ridgwell reports, European leaders have said it is vital to continue with weapons deliveries to Kiev. However, it is not clear how long Ukraine can continue to resist without help.
As the news of Washington's decision to terminate military aid for Kiev came out, Russian drone attacks continued on Ukrainian cities. Ukrainian lawmakers say the consequences of Washington's decision will be severe. « This means that thousands of people will die, » says Olexiy Goncharenko Ukrainian MP. West of Donetsk, near the city of Pokrovsk, the war continues.
« We use an Italian 'Howitzer' artillery ball. However, we get a lot of ammunition from the United States. It is the standard of NATO, which is used in both Europe and America. But will Europe be able to supply us now, I hope yes, ”says the commander of the 14th Ukrainian Brigade Unit who uses the nickname » Berf « . Can Europe offset the lack of military aid from the United States? « There are certain systems, such as 'patriot' missiles, or spare parts for 'abrams' tanks used by Ukrainians. The only way for Europeans to provide them is to buy in the open market. It takes time, ”says Mark Galeotti, a Russian expert from the company 'Mayak Intelligence'.
However, Ukraine is producing more and more weapons. « Maybe about half of the weapons she now uses, Ukraine produces it itself. The rest are provided by the United States and other countries, including Europeans, ”says Malcolm Chalmers of the Royal United Services Institute organization. Washington offers vital help, such as transporting western weapons to Ukraine. « The United States plays a very important role by providing information and intelligence data on Ukrainian forces, » says analyst Chalmers. The Trump administration says the ban on military aid has been made, as US officials explain, « to help reach a solution. »
« The United States, Europe and also Ukraine cannot continue this endless war. Therefore, it is important for everyone to participate in negotiations, ”says JD Vance, vice president of the United States. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said over the weekend there is a coalition of countries that want to continue support for Ukraine. “Vice Vance's claim that many of European leaders offer Kiev support publicly, while privately expressing skepticism is not inaccurate. The question in this case is, would these places continue to empty their military reserves and angry the ally and the main guarantor of their country's security to continue support for Ukraine? ”Says Russian expert Mark Galeotti.
Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky announced the Trump administration on Tuesday, through a post on the 'X' social network that Ukraine is dedicated to peace. For Ukrainians, suffering from Russian air strikes, the interruption of US aid is a bitter result. « I hope President Trump change his mind. The victim of aggression cannot be guilty and punished, ”says Victoria, a resident of Kiev. « Maybe Europe can help somehow. Hope is left only in Europe now, nowhere else, ”says Illia, a resident of Kiev. Meanwhile, Russia welcomed Washingon's decision to stop military aid to Ukraine, saying that « the situation must be resolved by peaceful means ».
