Logistic challenges may hinder Ukraine arms shipments from Western allies
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has demanded heavy arms from allies, on top of defensive weapons
- Some weaponry require a logistics chain to provide maintenance and spare parts in case of breakdowns, battle damage
Western governments have promised an array of heavy weapons to Ukraine as it battles a Russian invasion, but experts say a drawn-out conflict could see them run into complex logistical challenges, including for maintenance and ammunition.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has long demanded heavy arms on top of the defensive weapons flowing into the country from the West since Russia’s attack on February 24.
After abandoning its assault on capital Kyiv and other cities, Moscow’s offensive is now focusing on the Donbas region in Ukraine’s east and on its Black Sea coast.
“Self-propelled artillery, battle tanks and armoured vehicles can lend considerable punch to Ukraine’s forces, and even rebuild some capabilities eroded by two months of war,” said Leo Peria-Peigne of France’s Institute for International Relations (IFRI).
The “short-term capacity increase has priority” for now over “medium-term logistical considerations, which will nevertheless have to be looked at,” he added.