The United States believes that Russia will focus on routes used for arms supplies, according to a defense official, in an attempt to delay arms supplies from the United States and partners flowing into Ukraine.
Russian forces have not hit frequently moving targets such as convoys or rail supplies, but they could try to destroy bridges, roads and rails used to transport weapons and supplies in the country, the official said.
Even if the Russians manage to break through these routes, the official said, they will not be able to stop shipments in their entirety. There are just too many shipments.
Weapons in Ukraine: The United States and partner countries have delivered nearly 70,000 anti-tank and anti-armor weapons to Ukraine, including Javelins, NLAW, RPG and others, the official said. Supplies also include nearly 30,000 anti-aircraft missiles, such as the Stingers, and about 7,000 launchers for these weapons.
Earlier this month, United States Chief of Staff General Mark Millie told the Senate Armed Services Committee that about 60,000 anti-tank weapons and 25,000 anti-aircraft weapons had been sent to the country. The United States has since authorized hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid.
Delaying the Russian invasion: The United States and NATO have assessed that Ukrainian forces have used these systems very effectively to slow down and in some places stop the Russian invasion. Part of that success comes from Ukraine’s adaptation to decentralized command and control, which allows junior commanders to make important decisions on the battlefield without higher resolution, the official said.
Russia retains a certain advantage: the official also noted that Ukraine has had years to prepare for Russia’s offensive in southeastern Ukraine, as there are regular battles in the Donbass region between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed officials.
Ukraine has prepared trenches, anti-tank ambushes and much more before this inevitable battle, the official said, but warned that Russia still retains an advantage in military technology and overall military power. Instead of spreading this power over much of Ukraine, it is now focused on the south and east on what could be a massive attack.
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