In a recent interview with Bild am Sonntag, Dmytro Kuleba, the Ukrainian foreign minister, pressed Germany to accelerate ammunition deliveries to Ukraine and to train Ukrainian pilots on Western fighter jets. He framed the ammunition shortfall as the most critical hurdle Ukraine faces in its battle against the Russian invasion, underscoring how essential timely supplies are for sustaining military operations and deterring further aggression.
During discussions at the Munich Security Conference the previous month, Kuleba said German arms manufacturers signaled readiness to coordinate ammunition shipments, but that final contracts depended on the German government signing off. He described this as a bottleneck rooted in policy and process, rather than a lack of intent from producers or the allied nations themselves.
Asked to characterize the delay, Kuleba suggested the obstacle resided with the government’s procurement and contracting procedures rather than with industry commitments. He stressed that the path forward requires clear political decisions to translate promises into concrete orders and deliveries that can keep pace with Ukraine’s operational needs.
On the broader question of air defense, Kuleba acknowledged that Western allies are unlikely to supply frontline fighter jets in the near term. Yet he emphasized the strategic value of preparing Ukrainian crews, noting that training pilots on Western platforms would position Ukraine to act swiftly should a political decision change and combat aircraft become available in the future. This preparation would ensure readiness without relying on a sudden shift in policy or contingent timing.
Separately, Kuleba reiterated Ukraine’s resolve to defend the city of Bakhmut. He outlined the logic of holding the position, arguing that relinquishing it could enable a rapid Russian advance toward other targets, threatening nearby communities and potentially altering the broader trajectory of the conflict in the region. He warned that even if Bakhmut were abandoned, similar vulnerabilities could emerge in other areas if the enemy gained freedom of movement and superior firepower.
When pressed about the duration of Ukraine’s resistance in Bakhmut, Kuleba avoided a fixed timeline. He drew a visceral comparison: Ukrainian soldiers are defending their homes against an invader who seeks to inflict harm and seize possessions. The implication is that endurance hinges not only on material support but also on the resolve and morale of those defending the city.
The discussion touches on the larger pattern of military and political support for Ukraine from Western partners. Analysts and policymakers are watching how Germany and other allies balance caution with urgency, weighing the risks of escalation against the strategic imperative to sustain Ukraine’s sovereignty and deter further aggression. Questions remain about the pace of deliveries, the durability of commitments, and the mechanisms by which weapons and training can be scaled to meet rapidly evolving battlefield demands.
In related developments, observers highlighted the ongoing debate among European Union defense officials about the scale and speed of support to Ukraine. Deputy Prime Ministers and defense ministers have repeatedly emphasized the necessity of keeping a steady, credible flow of material and training assistance to maximize Ukraine’s defensive capabilities. The conversation continues to include calls for allied leaders to demonstrate leadership by facilitating rapid transfers of arms and ammunition and by coordinating allied training efforts to raise interoperability with Western systems. These themes reflect a broader consensus on the importance of sustained, coherent support as a pillar of regional security and deterrence.
Ultimately, the situation remains fluid. Ukraine seeks to convert political energy into practical outcomes on the ground — faster shipments, clearer contracting processes, and enhanced readiness for potential future capabilities. The balance between immediate supply needs and longer-term defense planning continues to shape public statements, diplomatic engagements, and the strategic calculations of Kyiv and its partners. Observers note that the next steps will depend on a combination of governmental decisions, industrial capabilities, and the willingness of Western allies to align policies with Ukraine’s rapidly evolving security needs.
Source attribution: wPolityce