U.S. Is ARMING Ukraine With One Major Condition
(DailyVantage.com) – Since Russia invaded Ukraine in late February, the United States has played a big part in sending aid to the war-torn country. Recently, President Joe Biden penned an op-ed in The New York Times where he outlined what the US will continue to do for Ukraine, and it involves more advanced weaponry — but it comes with a catch.
On Wednesday, June 1, the Department of Defense (DOD) announced it was sending a drawdown package worth $700 million to Ukraine. Four M142 High-Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) are part of the package. These systems have a longer range than the weapons Ukraine currently has, helping the country to “get greater standoff,” according to Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Colin H. Kahl.
These weapons would increase Ukraine’s striking ability because the rocket launcher can hit targets up to 300 miles away, depending on the type of rocket used. The US is sending shorter-range rockets to reach targets up to 48 miles. The system is more modern than either Ukraine or Russia currently has and can fire up to six rockets simultaneously.
However, the administration didn’t decide lightly to send these kinds of weapons. According to a senior government official, the US required assurances Ukraine would not use the HIMARS system within Russian territory.
The restrictions illustrate the balancing act that Biden constantly faces as he decides how far he is willing to go to help Ukraine without escalating the conflict into what he has warned could result in World War III w/@SangerNYT, @julianbarnes https://t.co/HrwOJD7Lkq
— Eric Schmitt (@EricSchmittNYT) June 2, 2022
The US plans to train Ukrainian soldiers in using the HIMARS system and estimates the process will take several weeks. This assistance is only part of the package, which also includes the distribution of javelin surface-to-air missiles, command launch units, anti-armor weapons, artillery, helicopters, and tactical vehicles. Additionally, the DOD said this likely wouldn’t be the last aid the United States sends.
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