Ukraine dependent on arms from allies after exhausting Soviet-era weaponry

Shedding former worries over the conflict expanding or Russia obtaining sensitive technology, the United States and NATO partners are sending Ukraine heavy armament, such as howitzers and Himars rocket artillery – the latter offering greater range and precision than what the Russians have.

Under the umbrella of the 40-member Contact Group for Ukraine, allied defence chiefs are coordinating their assistance so that Kyiv’s forces receive a continuous stream of ammunition, spare parts and weaponry, said another US military official.

But officials emphasised that if the arms appear to be arriving slowly, it is mainly because the allies want to be sure Ukraine’s forces can absorb them steadily and safely.

The pace also limits the risk of stockpiled weaponry being destroyed by shelling inside Ukraine.

The United States is therefore sending its arms in stages.

The latest US$700 million package announced on Jun 1 includes four Himars artillery systems, 1,000 Javelin anti-tank missiles and four Soviet-standard Mi-17 helicopters.

It also includes 15,000 howitzer shells, 15 light armored vehicles and other ammunition.

“We try to keep a steady flow,” the second US official said.

PUSH FOR LONGER-RANGE ARMS

Kyiv has asked repeatedly for the longer-range Himars precision missile systems, but Washington only agreed when it felt Ukraine was ready.

Joint Chiefs Chairman General Mark Milley said Wednesday that while four of the Himars systems were being prepared for Ukraine, training was focused on building one platoon at a time to operate them, a process of several weeks that could slow their delivery.

Himars is a “very sophisticated long-range system,” Milley told reporters. “We have to certify these guys to make sure that they know how to use the system properly.”

“If they use it properly, effectively, they’ll have a very, very good effect on the battlefield,” Milley said.

But, according to a US official, the United States is not willing to send Ukraine its Grey Eagle tactical drones out of fear they could be used to strike deep inside Russia, a move that could risk pulling Washington into direct conflict with Moscow.