Zelensky’s tour of Europe also helps convince the Americans to eventually supply F16s. So says Patrick Bolder, a defense specialist at the Center for Strategic Studies in The Hague. Europe is increasingly willing to supply Ukraine with fighter jets, but the United States is still reluctant. The Americans have the last word on the possible supply of F16s.
Bolder sees that Zelensky is looking for a broader coalition to supply F16s. “He is also trying to get Germany involved, even if they don’t have their own F16s. The Germans are obviously important in trying to convince America of the usefulness of this step.’
According to Bolder, Zelenski’s visits to various European countries are “the next step in his approach to Europe”. With his visits, Zelensky is trying to get new weapons from Europe, but also to bring the United States to his side, says Bolder. “He does it cleverly: after his visits to parliaments via video link, he now goes there live.”
With success: Last weekend, French President Macron and German Chancellor Scholz made major pledges for military support during Zelensky’s visits to both countries. No commitments have yet been made on the fighters, although according to Bolder it is only a matter of time.
Busy
Growing military support from Germany, France and the Netherlands is putting pressure on the Americans, Bolder says. “If European pressure on America increases, perhaps they can form a united front against the Americans. And certainly if those F16s come from their own European stockpile, that also makes it easier for Biden to sell in his own country.’
However, Bolder sees increased support from Europe now that Switzerland will also supply arms to Ukraine. “It seems they are giving up their neutrality a bit, I think under strong pressure from other European countries.”
occupy Russia
Over the weekend of Zelensky’s trip to Europe, information about Ukraine’s strategy also surfaced from recently leaked Pentagon documents. The Washington Post has seen those documents and writes that Zelensky wanted to occupy Russian villages to put more pressure on Russia. According to Bolder, those plans were probably nothing more than “a brainstorm” and “not really concrete.”
“If Ukraine can harass important targets across its border, it shouldn’t fail to do so”
According to Bolder, Ukraine crossing the border to attack strictly military strategic targets is a more realistic scenario. “The goal is to liberate Ukraine. If you can harass important targets across borders, then you shouldn’t fail to do so.’
According to Bolder, the Americans also do not want Ukraine to enter Russian territory on a large scale. “They understand if I’m just across the border from a major munitions depot or logistics hub.”
Follow the latest developments in Ukraine here in our live blog
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
