I think it is wonderful news that you have chosen to update your source list with General Herem. He is well respected defense official. When doing so, it is important to understand the message any particular defense chief is trying to get across. I hope we do pay attention because his comments and his message were aimed directly at the Biden administration and NATO leadership.
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are at the greatest risk of future Russian adventurism if the Kremlin is successful in Ukraine and should Putin conclude that NATO is unlikely to forcibly defend territories with no natural defensive boundaries against a Russian incursion. As result, all three countries have been the most generous in support for Ukraine in percentage of GDP. Estonia has been the most committed of any NATO nation, supporting Ukraine with 1.26% of its GDP annually. In contrast, the US is number 12 at .31%. Of course much of the US commitment is in reality materiel in kind from our stocks in storage. I assume you can do the math were our commitment proportional to Estonia's.
The Baltic States' frustration with the US lack of sense of urgency in supplying Ukraine with the resources it needs to win against Russia has emerged several times over the last year. Herem's assessment is the latest. His message is that Russia is resilient, capable of making good ammunition and personnel losses (note he says nothing about modernized combat platforms) and will pose a growing and emboldened threat if successful in Ukraine. He states that NATO, again with am implied finger straight at the Biden administration, underestimated Russian staying power.
I think that is exactly correct. It has been the foundation of my absolute frustration with the administration's "just enough" strategy in supplying Ukraine. I have waxed ad nauseum here about what I believe are the failures of Jake Sullivan's efforts.
The intended takeaway, again largely aimed at the United States, is more needs to be done quickly if NATO hopes to offset that resilience. Also, as a senior defense official, it is the logical argument to make for increased domestic defense commitments. Similar messages have been voiced over the last 48 hours from the United Kingdom and Germany.
Only in right wing land, could his warnings about Russia's resilience and ammunition production capabilities be twisted into Ukraine is failing and we need to abandon them and our NATO allies. I have seen two sites today publishing his interview screaming NATO official believes Russia can not be defeated in Ukraine. His message is the exact opposite. We, particularly the US, better get serious or Russia will not be defeated..
I would love for you to have the opportunity to sit down and explain political military strategy to General (R) Jack Keane who is the Chairman of ISW. He is one of my personal mentors and one of the most intelligent and informed men to wear the uniform in several decades. Perhaps you could provide him your characterization of retired generals, and offer your credentials in comparison.
With this I completely agree. It is long past time for this administration to get serious about Ukraine.
