US Doubles Down On Support for Ukraine, Promises More

Washington on Wednesday formally announced that it will send Ukraine sophisticated, medium-range rocket systems and ammunition to help try to stall Russian progress in the Donbas region, TURAN's U.S, correspondent reports.

The Pentagon detailed a new $700m tranche of security assistance that was greenlighted by the White House. Significantly, the new package for the first time contains High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, but says they are configured to limit their range to strike only Russian forces in Ukraine and not inside Russia.

"The people of Ukraine continue to inspire the world with their courage and resolve as they fight bravely to defend their country and their democracy against Russian aggression. The United States will stand with our Ukrainian partners and continue to provide Ukraine with weapons and equipment to defend itself" President Joe Biden said in a statement.

The M142 HIMARS system allows for the launching of multiple, precision-guided rockets, according to the Pentagon.

Along with the HIMARS system, Washington is also including the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System to be used with HIMARS. Those rockets are capable of hitting a target more than 40 miles away.

"What the HIMARS will allow them to do is to get a greater standoff. Right now, the Howitzers we provided them have about a 30 km range; the HIMARS have more than twice that, which will allow them — even with fewer systems — greater standoff," undersecretary of defense for policy Colin H. Kahl told reporters.

To ensure the most rapid delivery of HIMARS systems to Ukraine, the Pentagon said pre-positioned systems inside Europe in anticipation of the president's decision to approve their transfer to Ukraine. Before that transfer happens, Washington will provide training on the system to both Ukrainian users and maintainers.

"We think that'll take around three weeks," Kahl said. "They need to know not just how to use the systems, but, of course, how to maintain the system — so, think of logistics, maintenance, things like that. So, it'll be a number of weeks until that training is complete."

In addition to the four HIMARS systems, this latest package of equipment for Ukraine will also include five counter-artillery radar systems; two air-surveillance radars; 1,000 Javelins and 50 command launch units; 6,000 antiarmor weapons; 15,000 155-mm artillery rounds; four Mi-17 helicopters; 15 tactical vehicles; and additional spare parts and equipment.

The latest equipment package for Ukraine will likely not be the last, according to Washington officials.

"We will continue to closely consult with Ukraine and surge additional available systems and capabilities in support of its defense," Kahl said.

"The people of Ukraine continue to fight to defend a democratic Ukraine that is free to determine its own future.  The United States, together with our Allies and partners, will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in his statement.

Since the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by Russia on February 24, the U.S. has provided $4.6 billion in assistance to Ukraine.

Recently, Congress approved, and the president signed, an additional $40 billion in support to Ukraine — $8 billion of that is for additional presidential drawdown authority.

But the U.S. isn't the only nation helping the Ukrainians defend their sovereignty.

"Even as we continue to provide vital assistance, I would be remiss if I failed to recognize and commend our allies and partners from more than 40 countries who have joined us to continue supporting Ukraine with heavy weapons, munitions and other vital security assistance," Pentagon's Kahl said.

"Our support for Ukraine and that of the international community remains unwavering."

Alex Raufoglu

Washington D.C.