Ukrainian military officials and analysts believe the war against Russia will become significantly more difficult if the United States permanently withdraws its military aid. The Financial Times reports that losing access to US intelligence and the Starlink satellite system would present serious challenges, but Ukraine remains determined to continue its fight.
Ukrainian combat medic Pavel stressed that without Starlink, battlefield communication would be severely affected. He warned that if the US withdraws support, it would not only harm Ukraine but also be a betrayal of democracy and freedom.
Ukrainian leaders say the country could hold out for at least six months without American aid. They believe the war could continue beyond that if Europe steps in to fill the gap. Oleksandr Merezhko, chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Foreign Policy, stated that while the situation is difficult, Russian forces remain incapable of capturing large cities due to their lack of manpower and exhaustion. He insisted that Ukraine will keep fighting despite the challenges.
Western officials highlight that Ukraine’s biggest concern is not weapons or ammunition but a shortage of manpower. The recruitment target is 30,000 soldiers per month, yet meeting this goal remains difficult. A senior Western military official explained that many Ukrainians hesitate to enlist, fearing they may be the last to be recruited or killed in action.
Without US assistance, Ukraine will need to focus on expanding its domestic defence industry. Analysts suggest that Europe’s ability to compensate for lost US aid will be another key factor. Mustafa Nayem, a prominent government adviser, highlighted that modern warfare is shifting from traditional ground battles to high-tech warfare. He described today’s frontline as a “deep kill zone” controlled by drones and robotic systems.
Ukraine’s defence strategy is increasingly reliant on drone technology. Instead of seeking more tanks, the country prioritises financial investment in drone production. The domestic production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has risen rapidly, with an estimated 400,000 units built last year. Alexander Yakovenko, CEO of TAF Drones, predicts that 2025 will be a turning point for ground-based drones used for combat, medical evacuations, and logistics. Ukrainian companies expect to produce between 2.5 and 3 million drones next year, reinforcing Ukraine’s position in modern warfare.
Despite these technological advancements, uncertainty remains about the war’s future. Many Ukrainians long for an end to the fighting, but there is little confidence that ongoing discussions will lead to a lasting peace.
