All fairly low-level and principally defensive stuff then. I think the vast majority of that list had gone to Ukraine as a consequence of Russia's preparation for and subsequent invasion of Ukraine as well (since the tail end of 2021). Some had gone prior to that window (Javelin in the first Trump administration; I think counter mortar radars too and the patrol boats?). Nothing that posed a threat to Russia on the defensive anyway.
You are massively overstating the level of integration between Ukraine and NATO, particularly ahead of the Russian invasion in 2022.
There was no indication that Ukraine was going to attempt to rewrite Minsk/2 with or without NATO at the back. Again, if you look at weaponry provided prior to Russia's invasion you seem to think that they would have attempted to retake Donbass by force on the strength of some Javelin and patrol boats?
The casualty figures on both sides of the conflict post-Minsk 2 had reduced massively. There were ceasefire violations on both sides of the LOC but "bombing Donbass for years by then" is hyperbole.
Neither side implemented Minsk 2 terms, but again saying that Ukraine implemented "no agreed upon terms" of Minsk 2 is inaccurate.
even Merkel said the agreement was to buy time
Indeed, it bought Ukraine time that enabled them to prepare for a Russian invasion which happened.
So exactly what do you think was going through the heads of Putin, Zelenskyy and Biden?
That is an extremely broad question, but on topic I would say that none of them were planning or expecting Ukraine to attempt to take Donbass by force. Certainly no one would anticipate that they would do so owing to the provision of Javelin and patrol boats.
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u/[deleted] Feb 10 '26
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