Bn the western supply of arms to Ukraine in recent months, air defense has been at the forefront. In view of the massive air warfare with which the Russian invaders want to get out of the defensive, this was a militarily and politically sensible course.
German systems like Iris-T and the Gepard or the Patriot batteries now being promised by both America and Germany make it difficult for Putin to achieve his criminal goals in Ukraine. They are a signal that the West is serious about curbing Russia’s expansionist policy.
Not a political beauty pageant
The next phase will also continue to be about the ground war. In the end, Ukraine’s fate will be decided by the question of how much territory Russia can hold in the invaded neighboring country. Germany, France and the United States are taking this situation into account with their announcements about the delivery of reconnaissance and infantry fighting vehicles. They show that the political will to support Ukraine is not flagging in three key Western capitals.
In the case of Berlin and Paris, this is almost more remarkable than with the American government, because Macron and Scholz still raise doubts about their position. However, such questions are not a political beauty contest. So it’s good that the announcements came on consecutive days, even if Macron pushed ahead a bit. The West can only exercise “leadership” in this difficult conflict together. A coordinated course is also advisable for strategic reasons.
The method remains the same as before: the increase in combat value is noticeable, but it happens gradually. Since it is still a matter of preventing the conflict from spreading to NATO itself, this has proven its worth. Further levels, such as heavy battle tanks, should again be decided in consultation with the allies.
