Armin Papperger, CEO of defense concern Rheinmetall, said he does not expect the Russian-Ukrainian war to end in 2026. According to him, the dynamics of the front and the pace of arms buildup indicate that the conflict will remain protracted, and Europe should prepare for long-term support for Ukraine.
Papperger emphasized that Russia continues to actively increase the production of ammunition and equipment, while Ukraine needs stable supplies to maintain its defense and conduct operations. He noted that it is the ability of partners to ensure a continuous flow of weapons that will determine the situation on the battlefield in the coming years.
Rheinmetall, one of the key suppliers to Ukraine, is expanding production capacities and increasing the output of shells, armored vehicles and air defense systems. Papperger emphasized that the European defense industry is already operating in a long-term planning mode, since “there is no quick peace in sight.”
Recall that his assessment coincides with the forecasts of a number of Western think tanks, which indicate that 2026 is unlikely to be the year of the end of the war, but it may become critical for strengthening the defense capabilities of Ukraine and its allies.
