February 24th 2024.
Ukraine has always relied on its Western allies for military aid. Even as Russia launched a full-scale war against them, Ukraine's heroic stories of defiance and resistance proved that Vladimir Putin's dream of a swift victory would not be realized. One such story was about a grandmother in Kyiv who, as the legend goes, took down a drone with a jar of pickles. Whether true or not, these tales served as symbols of hope and determination for the besieged citizens of Ukraine.
Among the unconventional weapons used by ordinary citizens turned guerrilla fighters were Molotov cocktails, which were a thorn in the side of the Russian army. However, as the conflict dragged on for two years, Ukraine found itself increasingly reliant on aid from the West. From sinking Russian warships to taking out enemy soldiers with rockets, Western weapons have played a significant role in Ukraine's offensive efforts. Ivan Stupak, a security advisor for the Ukrainian government, noted that while these weapons have been successful, the key factor is the quantity in which they are available.
One of the most effective weapons in Ukraine's arsenal has been FPV drones. Both Russia and Ukraine produce a large number of these drones annually. In fact, earlier this year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the creation of a whole new branch of the armed forces dedicated to unmanned systems. Stupak emphasized that drones have played a crucial role in the conflict, particularly in the Kherson region. These drones are relatively inexpensive to produce and can serve various purposes such as reconnaissance and surveillance. Their success is often attributed to their deployment in pairs, with one drone waiting to strike while the other records the action.
Ukraine's goal is to produce one million drones annually by 2024, and Stupak believes that even ordinary citizens can assemble them at home with the help of YouTube videos. With a range of up to a mile and a speed of 19 to 50 miles per hour, these drones have been able to gather intelligence and carry out attacks on the battlefield. However, two-thirds of them are typically destroyed by enemy fire.
Another significant weapon in Ukraine's arsenal is the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), supplied by the US security firm Lockheed Martin. This wheeled rocket launcher has been a thorn in the side of Russian forces, with none of them being destroyed so far. The unit price of HIMARS was around $5.1 million in 2014, and its success rate has been impressive. Stupak noted that unlike Soviet-era equipment, HIMARS has a "one strike - one hit" success rate, making it a valuable asset for Ukraine.
Ukraine has also embraced the use of cluster munitions, which are prohibited by over 100 countries due to human rights concerns. These large weapons release multiple smaller submunitions, which can cover an area as large as a football field. While their indiscriminate nature is a concern, Ukraine has used them effectively to keep their offensive going, as seen in the liberation of the village of Urozhaine in August 2023.
Sea Baby maritime drones, produced in Ukraine, have also been a game-changer in the conflict. Unlike aerial drones, these operate on or below the water's surface, making them a sophisticated but expensive weapon. However, their deployment has been evolving, with Stupak noting that they were used for the first time in the attack on the Russian-built Kerch Bridge in 2022. These drones have been able to unleash destruction on Russian forces, and Stupak believes that Ukraine's strategy in the sea can only be compared to World War II tactics.
The UK has also played a significant role in Ukraine's fight against Russia by donating 14 of its Challenger 2 tanks. These tanks, equipped with a 120mm L30A1 rifled gun, have been instrumental in destroying other tanks on the battlefield. In a battle against Soviet-built tanks, the Challenger 2 proved to be a vital asset for Ukraine, with soldiers praising its precision and effectiveness.
Finally, the US-provided Patriot Air Defence Systems have been crucial in defending Ukraine against Russian air assaults. These systems have been able to shoot down attacking missiles and have saved tens of thousands of lives across the country. However, the supply of ground-based air defence systems is limited across Nato, as many allies scaled down their units after the Cold War. The importance of these weapons in Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression cannot be overstated, and it is clear that without the aid from their Western allies, Ukraine's struggle would have been much more difficult.
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