Considering the stockpiles of weapons in some European countries, it can be concluded that the allies have already done a lot in the context of military assistance to Ukraine. But it is difficult to assess whether this is enough in terms of a counterattack.
This was stated by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defense of Finland, Esa Pulkkinen, on the sidelines of the Ramstein format meeting in response to questions from the media.
"I would say that considering the weapons stockpiles of most European countries, Europe has done a lot. Of course, more can be done," Pulkkinen said when asked whether the allies had transferred enough weapons to Ukraine for a successful counteroffensive.
In his turn, he emphasized that in the matter of military aid to a country like Finland, it is always necessary to find a balance in terms of reserves and risks.
"Having become a member of NATO, we can take on a little more risk. I would say that we have already done a lot in terms of supplying weapons," Pulkkinen believes.
According to him, now the question is more about support and training, long-term training of Ukrainian soldiers from the point of view of providing Ukraine with the opportunities they will need in the coming years.
"From the point of view of a counteroffensive, it's very difficult to say. We know in theory what means will be needed in this case. You need mechanized troops. If you look at the supply of tanks, they increase the possibilities of a counteroffensive," explains Pulkkinen.
He emphasized that it is also important to equip the air defense system, because the Russians can launch long-range missile strikes not only on the military, but also on the civilian infrastructure of Ukraine.
"The air defense system includes many subsystems: surveillance, surface-to-air systems, and ultimately - aircraft. Western aircraft will be part of Ukraine's military integration with the West. But now or later - I would not like to speculate," Pulkinen said.
We will remind that today a new meeting in the format of "Ramstein" is being held in Germany, where the partner countries are discussing further military support for Ukraine.
