The Russian military is taking advantage of delays in U.S. aid reaching Ukraine’s frontlines, according to a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s adviser, Mykhailo Podolyak, expressed concerns that Russian troops currently have the advantage in shells and missiles, which could allow them to press along the frontlines and force Ukraine to accept unfavorable terms. ISW warned that Russia’s attempt to freeze the current frontline would benefit Moscow’s war effort by giving the Russian military time to reconstitute and prepare for renewed aggression against Ukraine.
Despite a $61 billion aid package being approved by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden in April, concerns remain over the slow delivery of military aid to Ukraine. Zelensky has urged Western allies to make quicker decisions and accelerate the delivery of aid. The Ukrainian Air Force, which has relied on outdated Soviet-era MiG aircraft, is in need of U.S.-made F-16s to counter Russia’s air superiority. While several European NATO nations have pledged to provide Ukraine with a smaller number of jets, delivery delays have raised questions about the effectiveness of the aid.
Experts have raised concerns about the timing of aid deliveries, with some drawing parallels to past instances where weapon systems arrived after they would have been most effective. William Reno, a professor at Northwestern University, noted that the delayed arrival of tanks during Ukraine’s 2022 counteroffensive limited their utility due to vulnerabilities exposed by drone attacks. Similarly, the delayed delivery of F-16s has given Russian forces time to adapt their air defenses as both sides settle into defensive positions, potentially impacting the effectiveness of the jets in countering Russia’s air superiority.
While Western allies have committed to sending more aid to Ukraine, including additional military assistance, the time it takes for this aid to reach the frontlines and be integrated into Ukrainian troop formations remains a concern. ISW emphasized the need for Western military assistance to be quickly integrated to effectively counter Russian aggression. Zelensky has lamented the delayed decisions and deliveries of aid by Western allies, highlighting the need to change the paradigm to ensure timely support for Ukraine’s defense efforts against Russian forces on the frontlines.
Overall, the slow delivery of military aid to Ukraine poses challenges for countering Russian aggression and maintaining Ukraine’s defense capabilities. The delay in aid reaching the frontlines allows Russia to exploit their current advantage in ammunition and potentially force unfavorable terms on Ukraine. Amid concerns about the timing of aid deliveries and the effectiveness of the support provided, there is a pressing need for Western allies to expedite decision-making and delivery processes to bolster Ukraine’s defense efforts and prevent further Russian advances in the ongoing conflict.
