I think there is one thing in particular that can make Putin understand the defeat

On Monday morning, a massive coordinated Russian attack hit 20 Ukrainian cities.

According to experts, the dramatic attacks, in which at least 19 were killed and nearly 100 wounded, show Ukraine’s great need for greater support for Western weapons.

– Russia will continue to attack with missiles and rockets throughout Ukraine, so air defenses capable of protecting large cities and critical social functions are therefore essential in the future, says Tom Røseth, associate professor and principal teacher of intelligence at the Norwegian Defense University.

I think the leeway is now

According to the Ukrainian general staff, Russia launched more than 84 cruise missiles and 24 drone strikes on Monday. Ukrainian aviation shot down about half, he reports Institute Study of War (ISW).

– Such a high shot percentage is very well done. It demonstrates the importance of modern air defense systems to protect their cities from Russian attacks, says Lieutenant Colonel Palle Ydtebø, head of the ground energy section at War College.

Monday’s attack was condemned by the West and several countries subsequently chose to increase support for arms.

Germany promises to send air defense systems of the type Iris-T SLMdesigned to protect a medium-sized city from air raids.

United States of America also promises to send advanced air defense systems.

The latter has already sent large batches of weapons to Ukraine, including the HIMARS missile system, which several experts say could help change the war.

Røseth believes that increased support from Western armaments is essential for the defense of Ukraine and to prevent Russia from occupying more territory.

– Although Ukraine today has initiatives on much of the front line, Ukraine’s further success depends on continued support from Western weapons. It is now and until spring that the space for action can be exploited, before Russia gets a possible effect from the mobilization.

Ståle Ulriksen, a researcher at the FHS Naval School and NUPI, comes to the same conclusion.

– Further support for arms is essential for Ukraine to maintain the pressure. Sooner or later Russian reinforcements will arrive, and then Ukraine will need something to resist, she says.

It can stop Russia

At the time of writing, Ukraine is almost devoid of major weapon systems, such as its own Soviet-made weapons platforms.

– Long-range artillery supplied by the West, for example, has proven its effectiveness on the battlefield. Without the support of weapons, Ukraine will slowly but surely lose the necessary attack power, says Røseth.

Ukraine is inferior to Russia, for example, in artillery. At the same time, Røseth believes that smarter and more accurate weapons make an important difference.

In fact, he believes that it could be decisive for the outcome of the war.

– With continued gun support and high Ukrainian motivation, Ukraine will be able to stand up and defeat Russia on the battlefield. It could lead Moscow to understand that they cannot win the war, Røseth says.

In addition to long-range artillery, Ulriksen emphasizes the need for long-range Western air defenses, bombers, and tanks.

– The latter is ready in Germany.

He asks for a Norwegian contribution

– Norway’s contribution to Ukraine has been good, after an early late start, Røseth believes.

In 1959, the Storting decided that Norway should not export weapons to warring countries,

However, at the end of February, the government broke with tradition and followed some European countries by sending military equipment and later also weapons.

– Continued arms support, training and financial contributions from Norway are important and should continue, Røseth believes.

He points out that there is a great need for capable air defense systems with a longer range, such as NASAMS developed in Norway.

– If possible, such systems should be provided or, if Norway is unable to provide its own systems, set up to be broadcast by other actors, Røseth believes.

Ståle Ulriksen believes Norway and other countries that don’t have air defense to consider should consider producing.

– I think all countries should support as much as possible. There isn’t much air defense in the West, but there is something to be given. Plus, there’s an opportunity to produce more, she says.

Read also: Here, Norwegian artillery is fired at the Russians.

The Minister of Defense: – An evaluation underway

– Norway will continue to supply armaments to Ukraine and the government recently proposed to allocate NOK 4 billion for the purchase of military equipment and training of Ukrainian soldiers, Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram told TV 2.

However, he does not answer whether the Norwegian government has decided to send new weapons packages, in reaction to the attack on Monday.

– Norway is continuously evaluating the type of support we can provide to Ukraine. Norway already supports the American donation of NAMSAS with vehicles and staff training.

In the state budget for 2023, the government proposes, among other things, to strengthen the stocks of ammunition.

– Self-preparedness was taken into account when evaluating donations to Ukraine. From now on, arms support to Ukraine will take place to a greater extent through purchases from the industry rather than by withdrawing from its own stocks.

The defense minister points out that Russia has entered the war under international law against Ukraine.

– It is crucial for peace and stability in Europe that Russia does not achieve its war goals, says Gram.