Two major NATO member states, Poland and Germany, have announced the activation of an armored-vehicle coalition to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia's invasion. The coalition, set to be activated on March 26, will focus on main battle tanks, with Poland and Germany taking the lead. Other countries, including the UK, Sweden, and Italy, have also joined the coalition.
Poland, known for its significant defense spending, and Germany, a key player in training Ukrainian troops, are pivotal members of NATO. Poland, as a neighboring country to Ukraine, allocated 3.9% of its GDP to defense in 2023, the highest among member states. Germany, being the most populous EU country, has been actively involved in supporting Ukraine's military training efforts.
The establishment of this new coalition is part of the broader European support for Ukraine since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. European nations have been providing weaponry, funding, and training to Ukrainian forces. However, Ukraine continues to face challenges due to a shortage of ammunition and weaponry, hindering its ability to effectively combat Russian forces.
Ukrainian soldiers have reported difficulties in hitting Russian targets due to insufficient ammunition, leading to the need for rationing. Despite efforts to increase domestic weapon production, Ukraine still lags behind Russia in terms of scale and resources. The recent withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Avdiivka was attributed to ammunition shortages, highlighting the impact of inadequate supplies on the battlefield.
The delay in additional financial support from the US, caused by political disputes, has further strained Ukraine's military capabilities. European countries are also grappling with limitations in providing sufficient weaponry and ammunition to meet Ukraine's needs. Various coalitions, such as the naval support initiative led by NATO members like the UK and Norway, have been established to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities.
