Russia’s war against Ukraine could continue for several more years, meaning Kyiv’s allies must be prepared to provide long-term support. Elbridge Colby, the US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, made the statement during a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format.
According to Colby, Moscow is rebuilding its military capabilities and defense industry, while Ukraine’s needs are likely to persist for a long time.
“We must be prepared for a protracted conflict and for Ukraine’s needs to continue over the coming months and years. We must also be ready for other potentially unforeseen circumstances,” Colby said.
The Pentagon official stressed that European countries should not only continue supporting Ukraine but also accelerate their own rearmament and expand domestic defense production.
Colby also highlighted the importance of regularly supplying the Ukrainian Armed Forces with ammunition and critical equipment through the PURL mechanism.
“Europe must continue—and, if necessary, increase—its support for Ukraine’s urgent battlefield needs through the PURL mechanism. A steady supply of ammunition and critical capabilities remains essential to enable the Ukrainian Armed Forces to hold the front line and prevent further advances by Russian troops,” the official said.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also urged partners to increase military assistance to Ukraine and “dig deeper” to find the necessary resources.
During the meeting, Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara emphasized the critical role of drones in modern warfare. According to him, drones account for up to 90% of battlefield successes. He called on Ukraine’s allies to make the necessary funding decisions by November so that the results of their assistance could be felt as early as this winter.
