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U.S. Defense Secretary Emphasizes the Need for Long-Range Capabilities in Ukraine Conflict
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently stated that no single military weapon will be the deciding factor for Ukraine to triumph over Russia’s full-scale invasion. He mentioned that the use of donated U.S. weapons for long-range strikes into Russia would not necessarily change the course of the war in Ukraine’s favor.
After a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, Austin informed reporters that Russia had repositioned its glide bombs out of the range of U.S.-made Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS). He also acknowledged that Ukraine itself has significant capabilities to target locations well beyond the range of British Storm Shadow cruise missiles.
The discussion ensued after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy appealed for more weapon support from Western allies and urged for permission to use these weapons to strike deep inside Russia. Zelenskiy stressed the importance of possessing long-range capabilities not only within Ukraine but also on Russian territory to encourage Russia to seek peace.
Despite Ukraine’s claim of capturing significant Russian territory and inflicting casualties on Russian soldiers, Russian forces have made advances in eastern Ukraine, particularly around the city of Pokrovsk, a key supply hub for the Ukrainian military. Moscow’s military progression has persisted despite a recent cross-border incursion by Ukrainian forces into Russia’s Kursk region.
To bolster Ukraine’s defenses, Austin announced a new $250 million security assistance package during the meeting. This package includes ammunition for High-Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and anti-tank and antiaircraft weapons. The United States has been a strong supporter of Ukraine, providing over $56 billion in security assistance since 2022.
In a separate meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Frankfurt, Zelenskiy discussed preparations for the upcoming second summit on peace in Ukraine. Germany pledged to supply Ukraine with 12 additional self-propelled howitzers valued at 150 million euros, emphasizing its commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russian aggression.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, Russia persists in carrying out drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities. Despite Ukraine’s efforts to defend itself, casualties and damages persist. The international community remains engaged in providing support to Ukraine as it navigates through this challenging time.
