According to the White House. The US will send Ukraine an additional $725 million in weapons and military assistance. I am adding to a flurry of aid announcements from European allies this week in response to Russia’s renewed missile attacks on Kyiv and other targets.
Assistance From The US to Ukraine
The assistance comes “in the aftermath of Russia’s brutal missile attacks on civilians across Ukraine.” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken,” mounting evidence of atrocities committed by Russia’s forces.”
Blinken later tweeted that as Ukrainian “defenders push back Russia’s forces.” The US stands united with Ukraine.
The latest military package from Washington includes more ammunition for HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems). According to a separate statement from the Department of Defence. We are bringing the total US military assistance to Ukraine to $18.3 billion since the start of Joe Biden’s administration.
The United States sent 20 HIMARS to Ukraine. It promised to send another 18 in the coming years. HIMARS prove to be an invaluable weapon.
They enhance Ukraine’s ability to strike ammunition depots, bridges, and other critical targets and erode Russia’s ability to resupply troops.
I have directed another drawdown of arms and equipment worth $725 million from @DeptofDefense inventories to Ukraine, our 23rd drawdown since August 2021. As Ukraine’s defenders push back Russia’s forces, the United States stands #UnitedWithUkraine.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) October 15, 2022
According to officials, the new US package primarily aims to replenish thousands of rounds of ammunition. For the weapons systems that Ukraine successfully used in its counteroffensive against Russia as the war enters its eighth month.
According to the Department of Defense. Ukraine’s immediate needs remain additional air defences.
“Hundreds of rockets have been launched by Russia at major Ukrainian cities.” Ukrainian forces have had some success in shooting down missiles. But they require more air defence capabilities,” according to the statement.
According to a senior defence official at the Pentagon. Russia had launched more than 80 missiles at Ukrainian targets in the previous 24 hours. With Ukrainian air defences intercepting roughly half of them.
False. https://t.co/iuDOHYFiJF
— 🇺🇦 IS DEFEATING 🇷🇺 (@DjDemigod) October 15, 2022
According to the official, the intercepts use a lot of ammunition because Ukrainians are likely to fire more than one round at each incoming missile, anonymously discussing the US assessment of the war.
The US aid announcement caps a week of commitments from allies.
The United Kingdom Announced Support to Ukraine
Last week, the United Kingdom announced it would supply missiles for the Pentagon’s advanced NASAM (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) sent to Ukraine. The United Kingdom will send hundreds of drones and 18 howitzer artillery guns.
Germany has delivered the first of four promised IRIS-T air defence systems. France has pledged additional artillery, anti-aircraft systems, and missiles; the Netherlands has stated that it will send missiles; and Canada has indicated that it will send winter equipment, drone cameras, and satellite communications.
Russia has increased its attacks on the Kyiv region, using kamikaze drones and firing missiles at civilian targets such as a hospital, a kindergarten, and other buildings in the town of Nikopol, across the river from Russia’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
The attacks have been described as Russian retaliation for bombing the strategically important Kerch Bridge, which connects Russia to annexed Crimea.
Professional military servants, civilians and the government of the UK have been supporting Ukraine without hesitation.
We are thankful to the UK for this congratulation on the Defenders Day and for the unwavering support in our struggle.
Thank you, UK!@MelSimmonsFCDO pic.twitter.com/WgS2MCUrvF
— SPRAVDI — Stratcom Centre (@StratcomCentre) October 14, 2022
Kremlin Warhawks have urged President Vladimir Putin of Russia to escalate the bombing campaign further to punish Ukraine for the recent truck bomb attack on the bridge.
The Ukrainian government has not claimed blame for the attack.
Russia’s surge in missile strikes also represents an urgent effort by Moscow to regain its footing as Ukraine’s ferocious counteroffensive has reclaimed towns and territory Russia had overrun earlier in the war.
