Ukraine is embarking on a multibillion-dollar military expansion funded by European partners, viewing this as the most reliable strategy to secure its survival amid dwindling American aid and uncertain Western security commitments.
The government in Kyiv aims not only to maintain its armed forces throughout the ongoing conflict but also to establish a robust military foundation for any future peace arrangement, intending to prevent further Russian incursions. As expressed by a senior European official, Ukraine is being shaped into a resilient 'steel porcupine' that would deter any would-be invaders.
Central to this initiative is a NATO-supported procurement framework designed to direct European funds toward acquiring U.S.-made weaponry for Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky envisions this mechanism facilitating purchases worth around $1 billion monthly, with a key priority being the procurement of Patriot air-defense systems to bolster Kyiv’s limited existing defenses.
This new system aims to compensate for the reduction in U.S. arms donations that occurred under the previous administration while improving and accelerating the delivery of weapons over time. Recently, an initial contract was confirmed for $825 million in cruise missiles and GPS navigation equipment.
In parallel, Ukraine is counting on its rapidly growing domestic defense sector, which has already produced drones capable of coordinated battlefield operations, and has now progressed to developing more advanced weaponry. This month, the country announced the completion of its first domestically manufactured long-range cruise missile, which has entered production.
However, the scope of this military buildup remains uncertain. European nations are facing budgetary pressures that may hinder sustained financial support, and Ukraine’s armed forces continue to confront significant personnel shortages that must be resolved to transform into a genuinely deterrent military power.
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