The aid is aimed at bolstering the Ukrainian counter-offensive, which is progressing slowly in its early stages.
It is the 41st shipment of weapons and supplies through presidential authority since the invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. This allows the Pentagon to quickly take materials from its own stockpiles and send them to Ukraine.
Since shipments are planned well in advance and have lately included many of the crucial weapons needed by the front, the choice of content probably did not take into account the rebellion by Yevgeny Prigozhin and his Wagner Group mercenaries. It is unclear whether the Ukrainians will be able to take advantage of the turmoil in the Russian ranks in the wake of the short-lived revolt.
But the missiles and heavy vehicles will prove useful as Ukraine tries to take advantage of the escalating standoff between the head of the Wagner Group and the Russian military command, with how many of Prigozhin’s troops would abandon the battle being in question.
The mercenaries left Ukraine to seize a headquarters in a southern Russian city and advanced hundreds of kilometers (miles) toward Moscow before turning back less than 24 hours later on Saturday.
The Pentagon said in a statement that it will send 30 Bradley fighting vehicles and 25 Stryker armored vehicles, along with missiles for the HIMARS high-mobility artillery system and Patriot anti-aircraft missiles. The package includes Javelin and HARM missiles, demolition munitions, obstacle clearance equipment, and a wide range of munitions.
Olivia Dalton of the White House press secretary said the package “includes crucial supplies that will support Ukrainian counter-offensive operations” and strengthen air defense.
FUENTE: Associated Press
