Germany’s latest military aid package to Ukraine includes heavy weaponry such as Panzerhaubitze 2000 howitzers and Gepard anti-aircraft guns, along with significant ammunition supplies and various vehicles. This delivery builds upon Germany’s substantial contributions, making it the second largest military supplier to Ukraine after the U.S. However, planned military aid will be halved in 2025 to €4 billion, despite the current €8 billion allocation for 2024. This reduction comes amid political uncertainty and despite the U.S. allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles, Germany continues to refrain from providing its own Taurus missiles.
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France is set to deliver 600 AASM-250 Hammer bombs to Ukraine by the end of the year, replenishing existing stocks and accelerating production to reach 1,200 by 2025. The Hammer bombs, already in use by Ukraine, have proven effective in striking targets behind enemy lines. Meanwhile, Germany’s upcoming snap election could significantly impact the war, as a potential new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has pledged to provide Ukraine with Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missiles under specific conditions. On the battlefield, the Russians are making incremental gains in Kursk, while Ukrainian forces continue to defend against Russian advances in other areas. The conflict continues to be marked by heavy fighting, drone warfare, and the use of increasingly sophisticated technology by both sides.
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With Donald Trump’s inauguration looming, French and British leaders are set to meet in Paris on November 11th to urge the Biden administration to allow Ukraine to launch deep strikes inside Russia using Western weapons. This push, driven by the desire to solidify Biden’s foreign policy legacy before the change in administration, comes amid concerns about Trump’s less resolute stance on Ukraine, which has been marked by calls for a quick end to the conflict, potentially involving Ukrainian concessions. Despite Ukraine’s repeated requests for permission to utilize weapons such as ATACMs and Storm Shadows, the Biden administration has yet to approve such actions. This summit represents a last-ditch effort to secure approval before Trump assumes office.
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Well, the next best time to plant a tree is today. Give them more weapons now Should’ve, Would’ve Could’ve, doesn’t help them now! “We should have provided Ukraine with much more military support much earlier,” Jens Stoltenberg told the Financial Times. “I think we all have to admit, we should have given them more weapons pre-invasion.” While I agree wholeheartedly, this is 20/20 hindsight. The USA had just armed Afghanistan and saw their entire national army collapse in days, and they probably worried Ukraine would collapse the first few days of the war. I can understand why the USA didn’t want weapons immediately falling into the hands of Russia if Ukraine surrendered early.… Continue reading
Russia says Ukraine used Western rockets to destroy bridge in Kursk region. Well, it’s not surprising that Russia is pointing fingers at Ukraine for using Western weapons when they themselves have been utilizing North Korean and Iranian weaponry. It’s almost comical to witness this tit-for-tat exchange of accusations between two countries engaged in a conflict.
I remember the analogy of Ukrainian tanks becoming Ukrainian once they are in Ukraine’s possession, similar to how Russian weapons become Russian when used by their military. So, the fact that Ukraine is using Western rockets in Kursk region shouldn’t come as a shock. After all, in a war where both sides are armed to the teeth, it’s only natural that each nation will use whatever resources they can get their hands on.… Continue reading
When Zelenskyy announced that China’s Xi Jinping assured him that China would not sell any weapons to Russia, my initial reaction was one of skepticism. The notion that China would outright refuse to provide weapons to Russia seemed too good to be true. While Xi may not directly sell weapons to Russia, the idea that China would withhold all forms of military support seemed unlikely.
The reality is that while China may not overtly sell weapons to Russia, they may still be providing the components and parts necessary for Russia to assemble their own weapons. This loophole highlights the complexity of international relations and the intricate ways in which countries navigate their alliances and interests.… Continue reading
Putin has once again raised the threat level by warning that Russia could provide long-range weapons to others to strike Western targets. This statement has raised eyebrows and sparked mixed reactions across the globe. However, upon closer inspection, one might realize that Russia has been involved in arms dealings with various countries for quite some time now. The Russians have a reputation for selling weapons to anyone willing to buy, and they have been the second-largest weapon exporter globally. They provide surface-to-air missiles, fighter jets, and ballistic missiles, all of which fall under the category of long-range weapons.
So, Putin’s recent warning almost seems redundant.… Continue reading
Finland allows Ukraine to strike Russia with Finnish weapons. When I first heard this news, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride for my Finnish heritage. Finland, a country that has a long history of dealing with Russia, has now stepped up and shown immense courage by allowing Ukraine to use Finnish weapons to strike at Russian military targets. It’s about time that countries bordering Russia stood up to the bully in the neighborhood, and Finland has set a remarkable example for the rest of the world to follow.
The decision to allow Ukraine to utilize Finnish weapons in their conflict with Russia is a bold move that sends a clear message to Moscow.… Continue reading
I have been following the recent reports about the US considering letting Ukraine use its weapons to strike Russia, even if it enrages Putin. And honestly, my immediate reaction to this news is a resounding “about time!” It is long overdue for Ukraine to have the ability to defend itself and retaliate against Russian aggression. If Russia can use North Korean and Iranian weapons to attack Ukraine, then why shouldn’t Ukraine be able to strike back with Western weapons?
The idea of letting Ukraine hit Russia with Western weapons, even if it angers Putin, is not just a matter of tit for tat.… Continue reading
As I ruminate on the situation in Ukraine and the calls for President Biden to lift the ban on using US weapons to strike Russia, I can’t help but feel conflicted. On one hand, it seems only fair that Ukraine should have the ability to defend itself and strike back against the invading forces. The absurdity of Russia claiming sovereignty over Crimea/Luhansk/Donetsk while being hit by Western missiles on a regular basis makes me question the logic behind this ban.
It’s clear that Russia is receiving weapons from various other countries to use against Ukraine, yet the US is hesitant to allow Ukraine to use the weapons they provide in a similar manner.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker