The British military has reportedly expressed serious concerns over Ukraine’s ability to sustain its defense against Russia, suggesting that Kiev is on the verge of losing the war, according to an October 15 report by the Daily Express.
While Britain has been a key supporter of Ukraine, providing arms and backing its firm stance against Russia, private military assessments paint a bleak picture. A senior British military officer told the Daily Express, “Ukraine is on the brink of losing its war with Russia. The situation is very serious.”
One major issue is Ukraine’s reliance on Western weaponry. Kiev has requested permission to use UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles for long-range strikes on Russian territory, a proposal that aligns with President Zelensky’s push to lift restrictions on Western arms use.
Zelensky has repeatedly criticized Western allies for not fully meeting Ukraine’s military needs and for delays in delivering aid. According to EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, Ukraine’s war effort could have collapsed within 15 days without Western support.
In late September, Ukraine acknowledged its near-total dependence on foreign military aid to continue the fight. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned of the dangers of pursuing victory against a nuclear-armed Russia, accusing the West of using Ukraine to strategically weaken Moscow.
US Reinforces Support Amid Eastern Escalation
On October 16, US President Joe Biden announced a new $425 million military aid package for Ukraine. This package includes crucial supplies such as ammunition for NASAMS and Stinger air defense systems, HIMARS artillery systems, and artillery shells.
The White House reaffirmed its commitment to coordinating with around 50 allies and partners to ensure Ukraine’s military needs are met. In a phone call with President Zelensky, Biden pledged ongoing security assistance to help Ukraine defend itself.
Zelensky expressed his gratitude, highlighting the vital role of President Biden’s leadership and the bipartisan support in the US.
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Source: Vietnam Insider