Western allies ramping up support for Kyiv could alter the situation on the front lines in Ukraine, according to Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren in an interview with LRT.
Addressing the pace of Western aid delivery to Ukraine, Ollongren remarked that Ukrainian forces are facing undue delays in supplies, with volumes deemed insufficient. However, she said that war is a "complex and dreadful phenomenon."
The minister said that Russia currently holds a certain advantage on the front lines, but she believes this can be changed by:
- bolstering the production of ammunition, drones, and other new technologies provided to Ukraine;
- strengthening Ukrainian air defense systems.
Ollongren added that Ukraine can succeed, but the West must actively support its ally.
Ukraine's key needs
According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the enemy is attempting to exploit Ukraine's reliance on Western support. Presently, the most pressing needs of the country include:
- 155 mm caliber artillery;
- long-range weaponry;
- air defense systems.
The issue of air defense systems has become acute amid increased enemy shelling of Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Several allies have already agreed to provide additional Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems.
