Ukraine could gain 6 months' advantage if allies act now, defense minister says
Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov (photo: facebook.com/mykhailofedorov.com.ua)
Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said in an interview with Politico that there is a specific timeframe that could change the course of the war, and it depends on how quickly Ukraine's partners act.
According to Fedorov, Ukraine has a brief window of opportunity that must not be wasted. The goal is to launch a new cycle of military innovation before Russia manages to adapt to the current one.
"We need the next level of aid to be able to finish the job. If we have enough resources to launch a new cycle of war innovations before Russia adapts to the current one, we will get another six months," Fedorov said.
What Ukraine needs
The minister highlighted specific priorities – the types of weapons most needed on the front line:
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Interceptor missiles
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Low-cost missiles and cruise missiles
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Jet-powered drones
"Our middle-strike campaign is aimed at protecting our infantry, stopping Russian advancement, and disrupting their resupply. Russians already feel it. At some parts of the front, they slowed down," he said.
Fedorov gave a specific example of what such assistance should look like. Denmark redirected its orders from standard 155-millimeter shells to extended-range versions, which are more effective on the front line.
"They quickly signed a contract and made the first delivery in just a week. If there is a desire and strength to overcome bureaucracy, everything is possible," the minister said.
Money should go to Ukraine's needs
Fedorov stressed that the approach to assistance needs to change. It is important to fund what Ukraine actually needs, rather than what donor countries find convenient to provide.
According to him, together with international partners, Ukraine has already managed to redirect billions of dollars to its most urgent needs.
In addition to weapons, Ukraine is working to improve its air defense, reform mobilization, and increase military salaries. These changes also require funding.
"Today, the Ukrainian army is the most prepared in Europe. Where else would you find troops able to destroy 30,000 to 35,000 Russian soldiers per month?" Fedorov added.
The faster partners provide weapons, the more state funds will be freed up to increase payments to service members, the minister said.
The first European Union tranche has already arrived
On June 30, Ukraine's special state budget fund received €3.9 billion from the European Union, the first defense tranche under the Ukraine Support Loan program.
The funds will be allocated to the needs of the defense industry and urgent frontline deliveries.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently met with North Atlantic Treaty Organization Secretary General Mark Rutte. During the talks, they discussed strengthening support for Ukraine. The sides considered specific steps to enhance the country's defense capabilities.
Zelenskyy also hinted at decisions to strengthen air defense. The president announced changes, the details of which were expected to become known in the near future.
