The start of deliveries of the first batches of weapons to Ukraine raises expectations among American officials that the new weapons will help the country buy time to replenish the Armed Forces and strengthen its defenses against the expected Russian offensive. This information is reported by The Washington Post.
A representative of the US Department of Defense, who wished to remain anonymous, noted that the new aid will allow Ukraine to better cope with Russian attacks both on the front and in the air, and to more effectively protect both the military and the civilian population. However, he emphasized that time is short, and it should not be wasted.
Now that the battle in Congress is over, American officials plan to focus on other pressing issues in Ukraine, including the fight to mobilize additional troops. They understand that the manpower shortage is becoming a bigger challenge and recognize that it is necessary to find a way to inspire more Ukrainian men to go to the front.
The Ukrainian deputy, who wished to remain anonymous, believes that President Zelenskyi's statement about 31,000 dead soldiers since 2022 significantly underestimates the real number of victims. According to him, this may be an attempt not to overemphasize the problem and facilitate the mobilization campaign.
Officials note that the program of training of the Ukrainian military by the American military in Europe has slowed down due to the depletion of the personnel reserve. Officials believe it is necessary to physically strengthen the defense lines against the expected Russian offensive and hope that new weapons, including anti-tank and anti-personnel mines, will help in this.
