Ukraine uses relative calm to boost army quality

Significance

Unable to mount a decisive military push against rebel forces but capable of holding current positions, Ukraine's combat troops are in better shape now than at the peak of fighting in 2014-15. Front-line troops are professionals, often battle-hardened, while conscripts are relegated to secondary roles.

Impacts

• Recently approved US sales of small arms and missiles will bolster morale more than change the military position.
• NATO cooperation will provide training opportunities, but these will have limited application while the conflict remains static.
• Armoured vehicles and aircraft are of lesser importance in the present phase of immobile positions.