Podcast “Ukraine – the situation”
Security expert Mölling calls for better protection for Ukrainian soldiers
Christian Mölling still believes Ukraine’s fighting morale is high
© Efrem Lukatsky / AP / DPA
According to security expert Christian Mölling, in order to protect Ukrainian soldiers at the front, the supply of weapons that enable warfare at a distance is necessary.
Security expert Christian Mölling said on Friday in the stern podcast “Ukraine – the situation” that the Ukrainians currently have no choice but to let Russia impose the type of dispute on them. With too little ammunition and insufficient armament, they would have to face an enemy who was waging a “people-devouring war” with the greatest ruthlessness. It is therefore necessary to supply weapons that enable Ukrainian soldiers at the front to wage war at a distance.
The research director of the German Society for Foreign Policy criticized the fact that “we are currently refusing the weapons that make more democratic warfare possible – that is, with more stand-off weapons, with more protection for the individual.” Specifically, he mentioned aircraft and long-range missiles that could be used behind the front to weaken Russia’s ability to supply its troops. Mölling said: “There are options that we are not using. And because we are not using them, Ukraine has no other choice.”
Ukraine needs new soldiers
Mölling showed understanding for the Ukrainian military leadership’s efforts to recruit up to 500,000 new soldiers. Recruitment on this scale would also be a signal to Moscow about its capabilities Ukraine’s goal is to get through the war.
“What other option does Ukraine have?” he asked. “The alternative is that at some point Ukraine will no longer be able to fight due to the lack of soldiers.”
Mölling warned against underestimating the Ukrainians’ will to continue the war. Because they are very aware of the consequences of surrender: “If we lay down our weapons, then we know that torture and death will come to us.” No one can make the decision for the Ukrainians about which losses they want to tolerate and which they don’t.
War in Ukraine
Cold, power outages, storms: the second winter of war is plaguing the Ukrainians at the front
He expressed confidence that the country could continue the war despite apparent tensions between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Commander-in-Chief Valery Zalushny. However, Mölling warned that Russia could exploit tensions within the leadership in Kiev. “As soon as there is instability or weakness, Russia will seize the opportunity and drive a wedge in,” he said.