US MILITARY SUPPORT TO UKRAINE

On Friday, August 19, 2022, a senior defense official briefed on a further tranche of US military assistance to Ukraine.  The c$775 Mn "what they need, when they need it" package follows the c$1 Bn package announced on August 08,2022.  This raises the amount of security assistance committed by the Biden Administration to c$10.5 Bn since the Russian invasion 0n February 24, 2022.  

The package includes:

• More ammunition for HIMARS,
• 16 x 105mm howitzers and 36,000 rounds,
• 15 x Scan Eagle UAS,
• 40 x MRAP vehicles and add
• Additional HARM missiles for Ukrainian aircraft, and
• Additional anti-armor missiles.

The supply and signifigance of the M142 High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) to Ukraine was noted on August 8, 2022.  However, this is the first US provision of M119 105mm Howitzers, although it has been providing ammunition for the 36 x L119 105mm Howitzers provided by the UK.  The Scan Eagle will assist in rapid, accurate target acquisition.

Also, on August 19, 2022, Ukraine's Defense Minister Reznikov stated that it had been agreed with the US not to use "western" weapons on the Russian territory, but there would be no restrictions in Crimea, Donbass or other territory not now controlled by Kyiv.  An emerging new feature of war is Ukraine initiating campaign offensive actions.  Ukrainian effort in the south has been to constrain the Black Sea Fleet in coastal defense and push Russian forces back from Kherson.  This effort has included operations in Crimea.  This counters one of the main Russian objectives of Odessa and control of the coast.  In the Donetsk Oblast, Ukrainian effort has been to recapture territory.  This hampers a main Russian objective of control of the Oblast and their wish to hold a referendum.  These Ukrainian efforts included behind-the-lines activities such as: car bombs, targeted killings and sabotage.  Attacks have also included ammunition facilities and bridges to deny resupply.  With concern for rear-area security, resupply and constant attrition, the original Russian planning assumptions have changed considerably.

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