KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine is moving forward with preliminary plans for collaborative weapons production with several international partners, even as top officials express concerns about the ramifications of the U.S. decision to delay certain arms shipments that were pledged to aid Kyiv in resisting Russia’s incursion.
“Any procrastination in supporting Ukraine’s defense capabilities only emboldens the aggressor to persist in war and terror rather than pivot to peace,” stated Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry.
The intensified Russian offensive aiming for territorial expansion has significantly strained Ukraine’s armed defenses in the continuing conflict initiated by Moscow over three years ago. The relentless barrage of Russian missiles and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities continues as diplomatic efforts led by the U.S. to broker a peace agreement have faltered.
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry announced it had not received formal U.S. communication regarding any suspension or alteration of scheduled arms deliveries. In response, Ukrainian officials have requested a discussion with their U.S. counterparts to clarify the status of specific items.
With the U.S. — Ukraine’s primary military supporter — stepping back under President Donald Trump, the responsibility has increasingly shifted to European nations.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in their first direct conversation in nearly three years on Tuesday. According to Macron’s office, the two-hour discussion saw the French President affirm France’s unwavering backing of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, along with a call for a ceasefire.
Sources indicate that the U.S.’s decision might deprive Ukraine of some of the most potent weapons in its arsenal, such as air defense missiles and precision-guided artillery weapons.
This decision from Washington should urge European Union countries to increase their investment in Ukraine’s defense sector, according to Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen.
“It emphasizes the necessity for Europe to increase its support and invest more in Ukraine,” Poulsen stated to reporters. “We could escalate our efforts, enabling them to mount a stronger defense.”
Denmark assumed the EU’s rotating presidency on Tuesday for the next six months and is already funneling investments directly into Ukraine’s defense industry, which can produce arms more efficiently than other parts of Europe.
Additionally, Denmark is facilitating the creation of Ukrainian companies on Danish soil to manufacture military equipment in a secure environment. Lund Poulsen mentioned that operations might begin in September and urged European counterparts to take similar actions.
Ukraine is preparing for joint defense investments
In his daily address on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said officials are urgently prepping for upcoming discussions with EU nations about collaborative efforts in weapons production.
Defense Minister Rustem Umerov stated that draft legislation pertaining to joint weapons production with allies is anticipated to be introduced to the Ukrainian parliament later this month. Umerov indicated that the proposed legislation was shared with national defense enterprises on Tuesday.
The program encompasses initiatives to establish a specialized legal and tax framework aimed at enhancing and modernizing Ukrainian defense manufacturers’ production capabilities, including the construction of new facilities domestically and internationally, Umerov explained.
Earlier this week, during a visit to Kyiv, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul mentioned Germany’s intention to assist Ukraine in expediting weapon manufacturing, accompanied by representatives from Germany’s defense industry.
Concerns in Washington over depleted reserves
Due to concerns over dwindling stocks, the U.S. is suspending some military deliveries to Ukraine, officials stated on Tuesday. These suspensions involve munitions previously committed to Ukraine under the Biden administration. However, detailed specifics on the withheld weapons remain unpublished.
A U.S. official and a former national security official, both who requested anonymity, confirmed that the suspended shipments include Patriot missiles, precision-guided GMLRS, Hellfire missiles, and Howitzer ammunition.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry summoned U.S. chargé d’affaires John Hinkel on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing defense collaboration.
Deputy Foreign Minister Maryana Betsa acknowledged U.S. support but highlighted the critical necessity of maintaining previously designated defense aid, primarily to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov remarked that the Pentagon’s decision could expedite a settlement, as “the fewer the weapons supplied to Ukraine, the sooner the conflict can end.”
Europe’s potential but limited response
There have been no new announcements of military or weapons aid from the U.S. under Trump’s administration. From March to April, no new U.S. assistance was proclaimed for Ukraine, according to data from Germany’s Kiel Institute, which monitors international support.
Russia started its full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. Since then, European countries have, for the first time since June 2022, surpassed the U.S. in total military aid, contributing 72 billion euros ($85 billion) compared to 65 billion euros ($77 billion) from the U.S., as per the institute’s report last month.
Analysts suggest that while Ukraine’s European allies might bridge some gaps in terms of artillery systems, they lack alternatives to the U.S.-manufactured HIMARS missiles and air defense systems, particularly Patriots, vital for protecting Ukrainian cities.
The extent of Ukraine’s weapon stockpiles and its most pressing supply needs remain uncertain.
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