Russia is preparing a major offensive in Ukraine
“Why the wait? [надання Україні танків] have become so large – everyone understands that the next few months will be very critical.
“The situation in Ukraine is difficult, Russia is concentrating new forces, a lot of manpower has been brought in,” he said.
According to him, the expectations for the provision of tanks to Ukraine have become so great that “everyone understands that the next few months will be very critical.”
Pevkur mentions that the appointment of the head of the Russian General Staff Valery Gerasimov as the commander of the Russian troops in Ukraine instead of General Serhiy Surovikin is explained not by the fact that Surovikin did not cope, but by the fact that Gerasimov can command all types of troops. “These steps indicate that Russia is preparing for a major offensive,” he said.
According to him, Russia engages in recognition tactics in order to reduce the capabilities of Ukrainian air defense.
Commenting on the supply of main battle tanks to Ukraine, which the Western allies failed to agree on at the negotiations at the Ramstein base in Germany, Pevkur said that Germany could instead give permission for the supply of its Leopard tanks. “[The new German defense minister]had little to say because they don’t have an agreement in the coalition. They are looking for him,” Pevkur said.
According to Pevkur, the option for other allies, such as Poland, to supply German tanks to Ukraine without Berlin’s consent is not a good decision.
“Changes will take place if tanks, combat vehicles, equipment provided by allies act as a single unit. I do not think that the unilateral provision of tanks will change anything for the better in the relations between the allies. Germany can shut down more, and we don’t need it,” said the Estonian Defense Minister.
Pevkur added that tanks are a very early combat component for Ukraine, and all other aid cannot compensate for their shortages.