US and Germany announced military aid for Ukraine on Tuesday. US has announced a weapon supply of $700 Mn whereas Germany promised IRIS-T’s anti-aircraft system.
Germany has been reported to have sent the consignment under the criticism of other NATO nations.
US President Joe Biden confirmed the decision to “provide the Ukrainians with more advanced rocket systems and munitions that will enable them to more precisely strike key targets on the battlefield in Ukraine” in an opinion piece in New York Times.
The reports suggest that the US is sending helicopters, radars, Javelin anti-tank weapon systems, tactical vehicles, High Military Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), spare parts, etc. HIMARS are highly mobile medium-range rockets of about 50 miles. It is the 11th package allotted to Ukraine.
However, the Pentagon notified that it might take at least three weeks for US weapons and trained men to reach the battlefield in Ukraine.
After the affirmation of the consignment, a Russian missile targeted a railway line in western Lviv in Ukraine on Wednesday. The track was the conduit for the transportation of Western weaponry and other shipments.
Russia has been expanding its seized area in Ukraine. Pointing at the increased captured territory, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Western nations of moving too slowly after his request for long-range (186 miles) rockets was not provided.
Seeing the momentum of the war, military analysts have predicted that the result of the war is largely dependent upon the time and speed of the two nations. So, a delay in the help provided to Ukraine can completely change its fate for the worse.
Raising the risk of expanded conflict, accuses Russia
Reacting to the announcement, Russian Colonel General claimed that Ukraine is plotting to fire the US supplied ammunition in the north eastern border areas of the Sumy region. However, he had no proof to verify his claims.
According to US, though, they have provided the weapons to repel Russia from Ukraine’s territory and not to encourage an attack on the Russian land. Thus, making probable a diplomatic solution to the violent crisis.
Dmitriv Peskov, Kremlin’s spokesperson, refused to believe in USA’s assertion. Instead, he accused US of adding fuel to the flame.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also supported him saying that USA’s aid to Ukraine is a “direct provocation meant to pull the West into the battle.” He warned that the shipment of any more rocket launchers might increase the possibility of escalation of the war.
Sergey Ryabkov, Lavrov’s deputy, emphasised that US military help to Ukraine raises the risk of a direct clash.
Ukraine land under Russia
Russia is swiftly gaining control over eastern Ukraine, which comprises Luhansk and Donetsk; it will further help in capturing Donbas.
Up until now, Russia is being successful in its attempt to finish capturing the Donbas region, where a majority of the population is separatist. A key city, Sievierodonetsk has been lost to the Russian forces. On 31 May, the city mayor stated that just 20 percent of Sievierodonetsk is left under Ukrainian control.
The next target is expected to be Lysychansk, the only city in Luhansk that has not been invaded by Russia.
On February 24, Russia invaded Ukraine, but in early April, Ukrainian forces retook major territories around Kyiv when Russia abandoned its assault on the city.
In the southern area, Russia had tried to establish control over Crimea, but Ukraine’s resistance near Mykolaiv and Mariupol in the west had pushed back Russian forces.
On 1 June 2022, Volodymyr Zelensky said that about 20 percent of Ukraine is currently under the Russian flag.
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