The eighth meeting in the Ramstein format, which will be held on January 20, will finally resolve issues with the supply of heavy weapons to Ukraine, Ukrainian expert, president of the Center for Global Studies “Strategy XXI” Mykhailo Gonchar, told Report.
He said that against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, Western countries have no choice but to support Kyiv as much as possible.
The political scientist noted that the Kremlin in recent months has demonstrated such barbaric behavior (attacks on civilian infrastructure, deportation of the population from the occupied territories of Ukraine under the guise of evacuation, nuclear blackmail, etc.) that it is becoming increasingly impossible for Western leaders to even call the Kremlin.
“Inflicting a final military defeat on Putin’s regime is a real goal that has no alternative. And for this, heavy weapons, long-range weapons, strike aircraft are needed,” Gonchar concluded.
In turn, a military expert, retired colonel, ex-Speaker of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Vladislav Seleznyov spoke about the types of weapons Ukraine expects following the results of Ramstein-8:
“Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valery Zaluzhny clearly defined the amount of weapons and equipment that is necessary for the Ukrainian army - 300 tanks, 600-700 armored combat vehicles and about 500 guns,” Seleznyov said.
He noted that a huge amount of equipment is required, which one country is not able to provide.
The expert noted that the decision will be made collectively, however, expressed doubts about whether they will receive all the necessary equipment on time:
“I doubt it very much, because our Western partners often make delayed decisions. That is, what we need as of yesterday, they transfer in a month, two, maybe even later. But the fact that the supply of equipment and ammunition will increase is obvious,” concluded Vladislav Seleznyov.
According to Ukrainian military expert, Colonel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleh Zhdanov, following the upcoming meeting in the Ramstein format, Ukraine first of all expects decisions on the supply of tanks: “Until now, these were all promises from partner countries, now we want specifics - how much and when we will be supplied with heavy armored vehicles.”
The expert also noted that, in addition to deliveries in the form of missiles with a range of 300-500 km, the provision of Western-style aviation to Ukraine could become an equally important decision for Ukraine following the meeting.