Ukrainian authorities have confirmed that they have tested the FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile supplied by the United States, suggesting that it would be soon deployed in the front zone, in the Donbass. This announcement comes as fighting between the regular Ukrainian army and pro-Russian separatists seems to have intensified for several days, with the resumption of artillery duels, having already left several Ukrainians dead.
Effective against fixed and moving targets, and capable of piercing any tank in service today, the Javelin will significantly strengthen the capabilities of Ukrainian units to deal with pro-Russian armored assaults, as the Ukrainian army has reached to reorganize and improve its skills since the start of the conflict, particularly with the help of American and European advisers. It also benefits from new equipment provided by local industry which, it must be remembered, is efficient. So today, the two camps have approximately equivalent, if not comparable, skills and equipment.
However, it is unlikely that Ukraine will seek to recover Donbass through military action, in order not to provoke a massive Russian intervention, as was the case in South Ossetia in 2008. As for Russia, the status quo in Donbass allows him to focus the attention of the Ukrainians and his army, freeing Crimea from military pressure.
The solution in Donbass will therefore probably not come through arms…
