US to deliver four more HIMARS to Ukraine
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The US is preparing to send four new HIMARS in place of the four HIMARS the Russian forces destroyed 3 days ago.
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US to deliver four more HIMARS to Ukraine
According to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, the Biden administration is preparing to announce the approval of a new package of security assistance to Ukraine, which will include additional HIMARS multiple rocket launcher systems.
"Later this week we are planning to announce one more military package of assistance to Ukraine," Austin said at a virtual meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.
On his part, John Kirby, the US National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications, said at a briefing on Tuesday, as reported by a Ukrinform correspondent, "We will continue to provide Ukraine with a historic level of security assistance. Later this week, the administration will announce the next Presidential Drawdown package of weapons and equipment for Ukraine."
Read more: US shows readiness to escalate following HIMARS statement: Antonov
It is worth noting that the US Presidential Drawdown provides for the transfer of weapons and equipment to foreign countries, which can be immediately withdrawn from the Pentagon's stockpiles. In addition, there are other military support programs for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), which aims to purchase new weapons from manufacturers.
On July 9, the Russian Embassy in the United States said that the United States' "unrestrained desire" to prolong the Ukraine war is what stands behind its delivery of four or more High Mobility Artillery Systems (HIMARS) for use by Kiev's forces.
This came after US President Joe Biden authorized a new $400 million drawdown of additional military aid for Kiev amid the Ukraine war.
Read more: Ukrainian MoD: HIMARS arrive in Ukraine
The US Defense Department said earlier that the new batch of arms includes four HIMARS, 1,000 rounds of 155-millimeter artillery munitions with greater precision capabilities, counter-battery systems, and other military equipment.
"We noted the Pentagon's statement about the upcoming delivery of four more HIMARS MLRS to Ukraine. Washington's unrestrained desire to prolong the conflict at any cost, compensate for the growing losses of the national battalions and Ukrainian armed forces through the delivery of arms is behind this decision," the Embassy said on Telegram.
