Ukraine defense in jeopardy: Urgent call for Western aid

Kyiv finds itself in a difficult situation, struggling with a shortage of soldiers, ammunition, and air defense. Markus Reisner, a military analyst from the Theresan Military Academy, stresses that if Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region falls, it could lead to the collapse of the entire Ukrainian defense in Donbas.

"Kyiv is backed into a corner. It's missing soldiers, ammunition, and air defense. (...) If Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region falls, the entire Ukrainian defense in Donbas could collapse," says Reisner.

Reisner highlights delays in weapon deliveries from the West, which could have serious consequences. He warns, "The West made a critical mistake by delaying weapon deliveries to Kyiv, and if it doesn't change its approach, not only Ukraine but also Moldova or Kazakhstan could suffer."

In the context of discussions about freezing the conflict in Ukraine, Reisner emphasizes that significantly more soldiers are needed to effectively maintain peace than currently planned. "To effectively maintain peace, at least 100,000 to 150,000 soldiers are needed," he claims. The current plans involving about 40,000 soldiers are insufficient to effectively monitor and secure the demilitarized zone.

Reisner points out that the peace mission should be conducted under the auspices of the UN to avoid opposition from Russia. He notes, "Vladimir Putin would never agree to a mission conducted solely by the EU or even NATO." The mission should include countries from the so-called Global South, which would increase its chances of success.

The current situation on the front aligns with Russia's plans. Ukraine's energy infrastructure is 80 percent destroyed or damaged, and the country struggles with shortages in the supply of promised military assistance.

Volodymyr Zelensky emphasizes that Kyiv has only 10 percent of the promised assistance available, which significantly hinders the conducting of an effective defense.