Sensing Russian Stall, US Rushing Arms to Help Retake Ukrainian Territory

Sensing Russia’s momentum has completely stalled, the United States is rushing into Ukraine another $775 million in advanced missiles, armored vehicles, and artillery to help Kyiv’s counteroffensive to retake territory, according to a senior defense official.  

There’s “a complete and total lack of progress” by the Russians now, said the official, who briefed Pentagon reporters on Friday. 

The latest weapons package includes additional HIMARS rockets, 16 105mm Howitzer artillery systems, ScanEagle surveillance drones, anti-mine MRAP vehicles, Javelin anti-tank missiles, and more. It follows a $1 billion arms package announced last week and brings the total aid to Ukraine provided by the Biden administration to $10.7 billion. 

“We have seen Ukraine employing HIMARS masterfully on the battlefield,” the official said. “This long-range fire capability has really changed the dynamic on the battlefield. We want to make sure that Ukraine has a steady stream of ammunition to meet its needs.”