Thu Oct 03 03:37:14 UTC 2024: ## West Must Change Approach to Support Ukraine: Expert Warns
**By Nico Lange, Senior Fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis**
With the war in Ukraine entering its third year, the West needs to adopt a new approach to bolster its embattled ally, according to Nico Lange, a leading expert on European defense. While acknowledging the challenges facing Ukraine, particularly recent Russian advances near Vuhledar, Lange stresses that the situation is not insurmountable.
Despite significant territorial gains in the east, Russia has fallen short of its stated objectives. Their heavy losses, estimated at 800-1,000 soldiers daily, are a stark reminder of the high cost of their campaign. While Russia continues its slow-rolling destruction of Ukrainian positions, major breakthroughs are not expected in the foreseeable future.
To counter this, Ukraine urgently needs long-range precision weapons and glide bombs, as well as increased investment in its own defense industry. This includes bolstering manufacturing capacity, facilitating maintenance and repairs closer to the front, and procuring modern air defense systems.
Lange argues that a decisive shift in the West’s strategy is crucial. “The current approach is the most protracted and expensive imaginable,” he warns. He advocates for a clear definition of war aims, with a focus on using military strength to force Russia to the negotiating table and ultimately achieve peace.
Additionally, he criticizes the West’s hesitancy in establishing clear consequences for Russia’s ongoing civilian attacks. “Politicians should not succumb to the illusion that pandering to peace populists and Kremlin mouthpieces will bring the conflict closer to a solution,” Lange emphasizes.
He concludes that a decisive and unified response from the West is vital to turning the tide in Ukraine. Leaders should emulate the proactive approach of figures like Mette Frederiksen, Petr Pavel, Kaja Kallas and Gabrielius Landsbergis, who have demonstrated a stronger commitment to supporting Ukraine.
“The situation for Ukraine is difficult but could be turned around by strong partners with manageable means,” Lange asserts. “An end to the war could be achieved quickly.”
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