Ukrainian Soldiers: The Hidden Force Behind Western Tanks in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

NOW – Biden sends 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/GNQNWuAQ1l

— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) January 25, 2023

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has thrust the world into a complex and volatile geopolitical crisis. As the West supplies Ukraine with military equipment such as the U.S. M1 Abrams tanks, one critical question arises: who will operate these sophisticated machines? The answer, surprisingly to some, is Ukrainian soldiers.

While nations like the United States and Germany are providing the equipment, they are notably not sending their troops to fight in this war. The responsibility of manning these Western tanks falls squarely on the shoulders of Ukrainian soldiers, an indicator of a broader strategy where Western powers offer material support but avoid direct involvement. This article will explore why the West refrains from deeper engagement, the significant challenges facing Ukrainian soldiers, and the implications of this strategy on the global stage.

Who Will Operate the Western Tanks?

The West, especially the United States and Germany, has committed to supplying tanks to Ukraine. President Biden’s administration recently approved the delivery of M1 Abrams tanks—one of the most advanced tanks in the world. These tanks, costing around $10 million each, are a significant boost to Ukraine’s defense capabilities, but they come with a major caveat: they won’t be operated by U.S. or German soldiers.

The decision to have Ukrainian soldiers operate these tanks is strategic. For the West, particularly liberal democracies like the United States and Germany, there is a reluctance to put their soldiers’ lives on the line in foreign conflicts. The reasons are multifaceted, but the most critical factor is the desire to avoid direct confrontation with Russia. Simply put, while the West supports Ukraine, it is not prepared to sacrifice its own soldiers in this conflict.

Why Are Ukrainian Soldiers Manning Western Tanks?

Ukrainian soldiers have been thrust into the role of not just defending their nation but also operating some of the most advanced military technology from the West. The hesitancy of American and German troops to get involved stems from a broader reluctance to engage directly with Russia, one of the world’s most formidable military powers.

Liberal democracies, especially in Europe and North America, champion freedom and human rights. However, this commitment to freedom does not always extend to risking lives in conflicts that are not on their soil. For countries like the U.S. and Germany, this war represents a conflict where the cost of direct involvement outweighs the potential benefits.

This reluctance also ties into the political landscape within these nations. The populations in many Western countries are weary of prolonged military engagements following decades of involvement in the Middle East. As a result, they are more willing to offer financial and material support than risk the lives of their soldiers.

The Cost of Military Aid

The financial commitment from Western countries is staggering. An M1 Abrams tank costs approximately $10 million, and sending 100 tanks to Ukraine can reach a total of $1 billion. For Western nations with vast military budgets, this is often seen as “pocket money.” But while money can buy tanks, it cannot buy the willingness to put boots on the ground. This is where Ukrainian soldiers come in.

These soldiers are undergoing rapid training to operate these tanks effectively. However, the challenge is immense. Operating a tank like the M1 Abrams requires not just technical know-how but also battlefield experience, something that Ukrainian soldiers are quickly acquiring. The Ukrainian military has shown incredible resilience, but they are also facing a well-equipped and determined adversary in the Russian military.

The Russian Advantage: Suicide Drones and Aerial Attacks

One of the major challenges facing Ukrainian soldiers is not just the sophistication of the tanks but also the evolving nature of warfare. The Russian military has adapted by deploying new strategies, including the use of Iranian suicide drones. These drones are a significant threat to tanks like the M1 Abrams for several reasons:

1. Cost-Effective: These drones are cheap to produce compared to the multi-million-dollar tanks.
2. Mass Production: Iran has been able to produce these drones in vast quantities, allowing the Russians to deploy them in large numbers.
3. Difficult to Counter: Suicide drones are fast and nimble, making them hard to target and destroy, even for advanced tanks.

For Ukrainian soldiers, these drones present a new and formidable foe. While Western tanks offer incredible firepower and protection, they are vulnerable to these types of aerial assaults. Russia has demonstrated a willingness to use these drones effectively, and Ukrainian soldiers will need to adapt to this evolving threat on the battlefield.

The Challenges Facing Ukrainian Soldiers

While the tanks provided by the West give Ukraine a much-needed boost, they are not a silver bullet. Ukrainian soldiers face numerous challenges, including logistical issues, maintenance of the tanks, and the ever-present threat of Russian aerial assaults.

The M1 Abrams tank is a complex piece of machinery that requires regular maintenance. In addition, operating these tanks in the harsh conditions of the Ukrainian landscape adds another layer of difficulty. Ukrainian soldiers must also contend with supply lines, ensuring they have enough fuel and ammunition to keep these tanks operational.

Moreover, the presence of Russian elite units on the battlefield means that Ukrainian soldiers are up against some of the most experienced and well-equipped fighters in the world. The prospect of Russian forces capturing one of these tanks and reverse-engineering its technology is a real and dangerous possibility.

The Strategic Importance of Ukrainian Soldiers

The reliance on Ukrainian soldiers to man these tanks is not just a necessity; it’s a calculated strategy. By supplying Ukraine with military equipment, the West is able to support the war effort without direct involvement. This is a “war by proxy,” where Ukrainian blood is being shed while Western nations provide the tools of war.

This strategy has broader implications. It signals that while the West is willing to support Ukraine, it is not willing to engage in a full-scale war with Russia. This also raises questions about future conflicts, particularly with other global powers like China. If the West is hesitant to intervene in Ukraine, a conflict with China could be an entirely different scenario, with even higher stakes.

The Economic Impact: Gold, Energy, and Interest Rates

The economic ramifications of the war are profound. As the conflict drags on, the global economy becomes increasingly sensitive to developments on the battlefield. The stock market is likely to react sharply to any major escalations, with investors turning to safe-haven assets like gold. In addition, energy prices are already being impacted by the war, and interest rates could rise as central banks seek to stabilize their economies.

The involvement of Ukrainian soldiers in this war is not just a military issue—it has far-reaching consequences for global markets. The fear of the conflict spilling over into Europe is real, and as Western nations continue to supply Ukraine, the tension in the region only grows.

Conclusion

As the West continues to supply Ukraine with tanks and other military equipment, Ukrainian soldiers are stepping up to the challenge of operating these sophisticated machines. The decision to rely on Ukrainian troops, rather than sending Western soldiers, reflects a broader strategy of indirect involvement in the conflict. While this approach helps avoid direct confrontation with Russia, it places an immense burden on Ukrainian soldiers and their nation.

The future of the conflict remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Ukrainian soldiers will continue to be the frontline defenders of their country, armed with Western technology but facing increasingly complex challenges. Whether or not this strategy will be enough to turn the tide in Ukraine’s favor remains to be seen, but the courage and resilience of Ukrainian soldiers are undeniable.

Source Link: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jan/25/us-m1-abrams-biden-tanks-ukraine-russia-war