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Former United States Secretary of Defense Mark Esper called Ukraine’s army the most combat-capable and experienced in Europe, given that Ukrainians have effectively reduced Russia’s war to a stalemate and have become innovators.
He stated this in an interview with Independence Avenue Media, UATV English reports.
Asked about Ukraine’s membership in the North Atlantic Alliance, Esper replied that the most important thing right now is to send an appropriate signal that would help reassure other NATO allies, strengthen Ukraine’s position, and further deter Russia. Given concerns about Ukraine being in a state of war with Russia, the former secretary allowed for an approach in which temporarily occupied territories would not fall under NATO guarantees, or one in which Ukraine receives membership not immediately, and with certain caveats.
He also expressed the view that the Ukrainian army today is unquestionably the most combat-capable and experienced army in Europe.
“Ukraine is fighting against an army many times larger in numbers. The aggressor country has an economy roughly ten times larger, and a population about four times that of Ukraine’s. Despite this, the Ukrainians have not only stopped the Russian offensive but have effectively reduced the war to a stalemate. So if the question is whether Ukraine would strengthen NATO’s security, the answer is unequivocally yes,” the former secretary explained.
Esper added that Ukrainians have become innovators for the whole world in drone warfare, counter-drone measures, and new tactics and military doctrine. In his view, Americans have a great deal to learn from them.
As previously reported, at the NATO Defense Industries Forum on July 7, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has unique experience in modern warfare, and its defense and security capabilities would significantly strengthen NATO if it becomes a member of the Alliance.
Read also: Italy’s Defense Minister Explains Why He Considers Ukraine the Winner of the War With Russia
