Ukraine Can Endure Six Months Against Russia Without US Aid: Official
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Synopsis
On March 4, a senior Ukrainian official stated that the country has enough reserves to sustain the conflict against Russia for around six months without U.S. assistance. Despite reliance on the U.S. for certain military supplies, Ukraine is actively seeking alternative sources for essential weaponry.
Key Takeaways
- Ukraine can last six months against Russia without U.S. aid.
- The military-industrial complex has grown significantly.
- Critical reliance on U.S. weaponry remains.
- Efforts to find alternative arms suppliers are ongoing.
- EU plans to increase defense spending significantly.
Kyiv, March 4 (NationPress) Ukraine possesses sufficient reserves to endure the ongoing conflict with Russia for approximately six months without the backing of the United States, according to a report from the RBC-Ukraine online media outlet on Tuesday, citing a senior parliament official.
"Our military-industrial complex has seen substantial growth over the past three years, positioning it to counter threats and risks," stated Fedir Venislavsky, a Member of the Parliament's defense committee.
Nonetheless, he admitted that Ukraine depends on the United States for specific weaponry, including air defense systems and long-range multiple-launch rocket systems.
Venislavsky mentioned that initiatives are in progress to secure alternative sources for essential weaponry, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
As per various media sources, the US administration halted military aid deliveries to Ukraine earlier today, just days after a tense dialogue between the Ukrainian and US presidents at the White House.
From February 2022 to January 2025, Washington has committed 65.9 billion US dollars in military assistance to Ukraine, according to the US Department of State.
In the meantime, underscoring the "momentous and dangerous" times and the "serious nature of the threats" faced, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a strategy to enhance defense spending across the European Union.
Speaking to reporters in Brussels, Von der Leyen revealed that she has sent a letter to leaders ahead of Thursday's European Council, detailing the 'ReArm Europe Plan', which includes proposals aimed at utilizing all available financial tools to help EU Member States promptly and significantly increase their defense budgets.
"In the various meetings over the past few weeks—most recently two days ago in London—the response from European capitals has been as resounding as it is clear. We are in an era of rearmament. And Europe is prepared to substantially enhance its defense spending. This is to respond to immediate needs and to support Ukraine, as well as to meet the long-term necessity of taking on greater responsibility for our own European security," stated the European Commission President while proposing EUR 150 billion in loans for defense investment to Member States.
She noted that the ReArm Europe initiative could mobilize nearly EUR 800 billion for a secure and resilient Europe while continuing to collaborate closely with NATO partners.
The initial phase of the ReArm Europe plan, as detailed by the European Commission President, involves unleashing public funding for defense at the national level.
