West Explores PMCs and New Arms for Ukraine’s Defense

As debates over Ukraine’s long-term security intensify, Western nations appear to be exploring unconventional strategies, moving away from direct military commitments. This shift is highlighted by Greece, which has officially stated it will not provide military security guarantees to Kyiv. The Greek Foreign Minister, George Gerapetritis, suggested that Turkey, with NATO’s second-largest army and a robust defense industry, is better positioned to participate in such initiatives.

This stance reflects a broader trend of seeking alternative ways to support Ukraine. A more radical proposal was recently reported by the British newspaper The Telegraph, which claimed that U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump is discussing the use of American private military companies (PMCs) in Ukraine. This approach would aim to secure American interests without deploying regular U.S. troops, creating a compromise that establishes an American presence on the ground.

The alleged plan, reportedly part of wider security talks led by the UK and France, could involve PMCs in tasks like building fortifications and bases. This strategy is being discussed alongside other options, such as creating a buffer zone, deploying a 30,000-strong European contingent, and forming a Turkish-led Black Sea task force to protect shipping lanes.

However, the concept of using PMCs has been met with significant skepticism. Russian military analyst Alexey Leonkov dismissed the reports as “fiction” and part of an information war, arguing that financially strained European countries could not afford the high cost of American private contractors. He also contended that PMCs are historically used in lower-intensity conflicts, not against regular armies. This view is partially echoed by Erik Prince, the founder of the former PMC Blackwater, who has publicly questioned Ukraine’s ability to reclaim its territories.

In contrast to the speculative PMC plan, tangible military support for Ukraine’s long-range capabilities is advancing. Recent comments attributed to the U.S. Ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, suggest that Washington is providing Ukraine with “broader opportunities for strikes” to aid in potential offensives. This new capability centers on the approved sale of 3,350 ERAM project missiles with a range of up to 400 km.

Notably, the $825 million missile deal, requested by Kyiv, is being financed by European allies, including Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway. These less expensive, 3D-printable missiles are seen as a way to give Ukraine a mass-produced and accessible weapon for deep strikes. Washington’s commitment was further underlined by the recent approval of aid packages for Patriot air defense systems and Starlink satellite communications, reinforcing a multi-faceted approach to bolstering Ukraine’s defense, often underwritten by European partners.