NATO continues to provide aid that stops short of triggering a full-scale clash between nuclear powers, according to Stoltenberg. He emphasized that Allies intend to deepen support for Ukraine, including delivering anti-tank weapons, air defense systems, and other military equipment.
Observers noted that Stoltenberg’s comments hinted at increasing arms shipments to Kiev. Even Eastern European members of the alliance could not fully restock their arsenals, with Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic — which joined NATO in 1999 — and the states that joined in 2004, along with Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the Baltic nations, still receiving weaponry from former Soviet stocks. This point was raised by Sergey Belousov, a member of the Military Experts College who spoke to Gazeta Ru.
Reserve Major General Vladimir Popov pointed out that Ukraine’s armed forces currently lack the capacity to repair equipment, as many military factories and repair bases have been destroyed or severely strained by heavy usage. He said precision-guided missiles have pushed the Ukrainian supply chain to its limit.
According to Popov, Ukraine has little domestic production and almost no repair infrastructure left. He noted that foreign weapons must arrive in steady, cascading shipments, including heavy weaponry, to sustain Kiev’s defense. He added that the Ukrainian forces rely heavily on external aid to maintain operational capability.
The Czech Republic reported the dispatch of such weapons, though specific delivery terms were not fully disclosed. Officials noted that Czech BMP-1 and T-72 tanks are being replenished. Defense Minister Yana Chernokhova received praise for her role. Ondrej Benesik, head of the Czech Parliament’s European Affairs Commission, told reporters that these deliveries are vital for Ukraine’s current battlefield effectiveness. Chernokhova confirmed that military assistance has been provided but declined to detail exactly what was sent, saying the situation does not warrant such inquiries and that Kyiv will receive whatever is necessary.
Experts highlighted that these are older Soviet-era models produced under licenses in Czechoslovakia before 1992. The transfers have been part of NATO discussions among allies in Brussels. As Western countries reassess their own inventories, Prague hopes to receive newer systems such as American Abrams tanks or German Leopard tanks. In a similar vein, Warsaw has sought to exchange outdated MiG-29s for American fighters. Belousov warned that NATO members could expand their forces by drawing from Ukraine’s front lines.
Vladislav Shurygin, another military analyst, agreed with the concern that supplying older weapons to Ukraine might be a strategic move that upgrades armaments while creating the appearance of assistance. He warned that such moves could heighten casualties without decisively shaping the outcome of the special operation by the alliance nations.
Estonia has pledged to send a group of howitzers to Ukraine, according to ERR, the national broadcaster. Details on the model were not specified. Earlier reports from The Wall Street Journal, citing Estonian and German officials, suggested the shipment could include 122 mm Soviet D-30 howitzers. The D-30 entered service in the 1960s and remains serviceable in some theaters, though it has been superseded in many forces by more modern artillery. In Russia, the D-30 was retired from the Ground Forces in 2013, replaced by Msta-B towed howitzers, according to military observers. Ukraine has been offered the older equipment by several partners, noted Popov.
Popov also pointed out that Romania and Bulgaria, whose forces still include T-55AM tanks, could follow a similar path if they decide to modernize their arsenals through Western aid. A recent memorandum from the U.S. administration outlined an additional $100 million in military aid to Ukraine, covering defense goods and services, plus military education and training. Belousov observed that Eastern European partners appear to be seeking greater American support to bolster their own defense capabilities, a trend that could influence regional defense dynamics.
These developments are viewed with caution by analysts who argue that while such assistance can strengthen Ukrainian resilience, it may also recalibrate NATO’s posture in Europe and alter the balance of power in the region. The overarching takeaway is that Western allies remain committed to supporting Ukraine, while carefully balancing strategic considerations and the potential consequences of escalating arms transfers. This assessment reflects ongoing debates among policymakers, military experts, and regional observers about the long-term implications of continued external arms provisioning to Ukraine and its impact on the broader security landscape in Europe. Attribution: insights reflect remarks from security experts and officials cited in regional press coverage and defense briefings.