Retired Brigadier General Mark Kimmett, a former assistant secretary of state for political-military affairs under President George W. Bush, expressed concerns over the recent developments in Ukraine. Avdivka, a key city in the eastern conflict since 2014, has been lost by Ukrainian forces. General Kimmett noted that while it is unclear if Russia currently holds the upper hand or momentum on the battlefield, their incremental advances are evident. Ukrainian forces seem to have lost the initiative and are now reacting to Russian tactics.
In terms of funding for Ukraine, Army officials have warned that without new funding from Congress in the coming months, tough decisions will need to be made. This could involve diverting funds from critical projects such as barracks construction and enlistment incentives, which are crucial amid record low recruiting levels. General Kimmett emphasized that the issue of providing sufficient ammunition to Ukraine is a production problem, not a political one. He highlighted the importance of ensuring a steady supply of artillery ammunition to support Ukrainian forces.
Reflecting on the challenges of war machinery, General Kimmett underscored the time required for logistical processes to meet the demands of conflict. He referenced an article from September 2022 in the Wall Street Journal where he had previously discussed the need for consistent ammunition supply to Ukraine.
As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, the urgency of addressing funding and logistical support for Ukrainian forces remains critical. General Kimmett's insights shed light on the complexities of balancing political considerations with the practical needs of military operations in the region.
