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The United States is sending a new batch of military assistance to Ukraine, the White House said Thursday, with the $450 million shipment including four more advanced rocket systems to use against Russian invasion forces. Online News
“This package contains weapons and equipment, including new High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems,” White House spokesman John Kirby said. Also included are tens of thousands of rounds of artillery ammunition and patrol boats.
The rocket systems known as HIMARS are at the top of Ukraine’s wish list as the pro-Western country battles a Russian invasion force advancing through the east of the country with the help of a significant advantage in heavy artillery.
An initial four units of the rocket system have already been delivered, kicking off the training program required for Ukrainian soldiers to operate the sophisticated and highly accurate weaponry. Another four are now being sent, the Pentagon said.
Also included are 36,000 rounds of artillery ammunition, 18 vehicles used to tow 155mm artillery pieces, 1,200 grenade launchers, 2,000 machine guns, 18 coastal and river patrol boats, and spare parts, the Pentagon said.
With the latest shipments, the US contribution to Ukraine’s military will amount so far to $6.1 billion since the start of Russia’s invasion in February, Kirby said.
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The website called, “Forum on the Arms Trade” has recorded & detailed the pledges of weapons and weapons systems various countries have made to Ukraine.
The list below includes countries and regions that have pledged arms to Ukraine:
United States: Howitzers and artillery rounds; laser-guided rocket systems; Switchblade, Puma, and Counter-Unmannered Aerial systems​; counter-artillery radars; High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS); Stinger and Javelin missiles; anti-armor systems, small arms and various munitions; more than 50 millions rounds of ammunition; body armor (more than $3.9 billion since invasion began); five Mi-17 helicopters, 70 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs) (pre-invasion​)
European Union: €2 billion for military supplies
United Kingdom: anti-aircraft capabilities (Stormer), 10,000 short-range and anti-tank missiles (including NLAWs and Javelins), Saxon armored vehicles, Starstreak air defence systems, loitering munitions, radar, heavy lift drones — with aid at £200 million, to rise to as high as £500m as of April 25 (note: on April 8, reports indicated aid already at £350 million)– on May 2, an additional £300 million announced, M270 multiple-launch rocket systems (quantity to be announced)
Germany: 50 Cheetah anti-aircraft systems, 56 PbV-501 IFVs, 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 Stinger anti-aircraft defense system, plus permission for select other countries to send weapons controlled by Germany, three M270 Mittleres Artillerie Raketen System (MARS) launchers and GMLRS ammunition
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