EDITOR’S PICK
EKO HOT BLOG reports that President Joe Biden on Tuesday confirmed the United States will send more advanced rocket systems to Ukraine, a critical weapon that Ukrainian leaders have been asking for as they struggle to stall Russian progress in the Donbas region.
This comes in response to a top request from Ukrainian officials who say the weapons are necessary to curb the advance of Russian forces in the east.
Biden said the more advanced rocket systems and munitions will enable Ukraine “to more precisely strike key targets on the battlefield.”
Ukrainian officials provided assurances they would not use the weapons to strike targets inside Russia, a senior U.S. official said.
Such a move could risk an escalation in the conflict, potentially provoking Russian retaliation against U.S. forces or allies.
“America’s goal is straightforward: We want to see a democratic, independent, sovereign and prosperous Ukraine with the means to deter and defend itself against further aggression,”
Biden said in an essay published Tuesday evening in the New York Times. “We do not seek a war between NATO and Russia,” his essay added.
An announcement on advanced rocket systems had been expected this week, as officials weighed how to help Kyiv defend itself without further inflaming tensions with Russia.
The United States is sending the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HMARS, which will extend Ukraine’s reach in the ongoing artillery war with Russia, a senior administration official said Tuesday.
The United States will not provide the longest-range munitions for the system to Ukraine, said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military matters.
HMARS is a type of Multiple Launch Rocket System. Ukrainians currently use a Russian-made version of this system, the official said.
The Kremlin has warned that any country providing advanced weaponry to Ukraine will face harsh repercussions. On Friday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the West has “declared total war” against Russia.
FURTHER READING:
“We are not encouraging or enabling Ukraine to strike beyond its borders. We do not want to prolong the war just to inflict pain on Russia,” Biden said in his essay.
Click to watch our video of the week:
Ange Postecoglou says even Mohamed Salah would struggle in current Tottenham setup. Spurs face Liverpool…
Rauf Mutiu was arrested for allegedly plotting to exhume his deceased parent Mutiu had already…
In life, some stories stand out for their sheer resilience and determination. Recently, EKO HOT…