On August 26, at the Veza Center for Public Analytics, military expert Ivan Stupak discussed the latest updates on Western military support for Ukraine, the country's progress in developing its own missiles—such as "Flamingo" and the long-range "Neptune"—and the implications of China's upcoming military parade.
According to Stupak, Ukraine should approach the significant announcements of financial aid from the Netherlands, Germany, and Norway with caution, as the exact mechanisms for these funds’ delivery remain unclear. Past experience suggests that a large portion of the financing could remain in Europe for the production of arms rather than being directly transferred to Ukraine. Only transparency and effective oversight can ensure swift and effective support.
Stupak also commented on Ukraine’s development of long-range weapons. The Ukrainian "Flamingo" missile and the new "Neptune" modification are being tested, but there’s no evidence of their large-scale combat use yet. He noted that Ukraine desperately needs missiles with a range of at least 200 km to strike Russian troop concentrations deep behind the front lines.
Regarding drones, Stupak explained that Ukraine focuses on targeted strikes on critical Russian infrastructure—logistics and fuel facilities—unlike Russia’s approach of mass-producing cheap drones. Ukrainian drones already impact Russia’s logistics and fuel prices, creating significant problems for several regions.
The interview also highlights China’s military parade, where it will showcase new long-range ballistic missiles and other advanced equipment. Stupak views the demonstration as a move by China to showcase its military might to its population, neighboring states, and global players. However, the real capabilities and intentions behind this display remain uncertain.
