Dr. Umbach emphasized that the situation in Wobrowsk had recently come to a head, not least due to the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from other sections of the front and a noticeable decline in Western support. Meanwhile, Russia has further increased the maneuverability and accuracy of its missiles. Ukraine urgently needs to modernize its air defenses and requires more long-range weapons to ensure effective defense.
The expert criticized the EU's restrictions on the supply of long-range weapons and emphasized that comprehensive arms deliveries were necessary from a military strategy perspective. At the same time, President Zelensky sought new sources of financing during his trip through Europe in view of protracted and stalled reform processes and unreliable US support.
The German government has long underestimated the strategic importance of space, Umbach said with regard to the Space Safety and Security Strategy. For greater sovereignty, he calls for Europe to have its own reconnaissance satellites and to become more involved in space and cyber security. In view of Russian and Chinese attempts at interference, protective measures for military and civilian satellites as well as offensive space systems are necessary to increase resilience.