According to US military sources, Ukraine no longer possesses Russian and Soviet-made weapons and is now completely dependent on its allies to counter the Russian invasion.

Once part of the Soviet Union, Ukraine built its army and military industry with Soviet and Russian equipment, small arms, tanks, howitzers, and other elements incomparable to those of its western neighbors.

US sources say that more than three months after the conflict began with the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, this equipment was already exhausted or destroyed on the battlefield.

Kyiv forces are now using or learning to use weapons used by the US or their European NATO allies.

continuous flow

At the beginning of the war, the West was reluctant to supply Kiev with too many weapons, fearing it would lead to a conflict between Russia and NATO. He also feared that his advanced technology would fall into the hands of the Russians.

On the other hand, Ukraine’s allies offered their own arsenal of Russian-made equipment, including tanks and helicopters, to strengthen Kiev’s troops.

The United States also led the effort to provide additional ammunition, parts, and supplies that could meet Ukraine’s needs through other countries of the former Soviet Union.

However, all this has already been consumed or destroyed.

“They don’t exist in the world anymore,” said a US official about Russian and Soviet weapons.

This means that Ukrainian forces had to switch to western-specific weapons they were unfamiliar with.

Without the old fears of escalating the conflict or of Russia acquiring precision technologies, the United States and NATO partners are now sending heavy weapons into Ukraine, such as howitzers and Himars rocket artillery with a hit range superior to that of the Russians.

Another US military official said that under the auspices of the Ukraine Contact Group, the defense ministers of allied countries were coordinating assistance so that the Kyiv forces received a regular flow of ammunition, spare parts and weapons.

But officials stress that if the arrival of weapons was apparently slow, it was mainly because the allies wanted to ensure that the Ukrainian military could assimilate them in a stable and safe manner.

Controlled speed also reduces the risk of weapons stockpiles being destroyed by bombings inside Ukraine. Therefore, the United States is gradually shipping equipment.

The latest $700 million package, announced on June 1, includes four Himars artillery systems, 1,000 Javelin anti-tank missiles and four Soviet-made Mi-17 helicopters. It also includes 15,000 howitzer shells, 15 light armored vehicles and other ammunition.

“We’re trying to maintain a steady flow,” said a second US official.

Pressure from ranged weapons

Kyiv repeatedly requested long-range precision missile systems from Himars, but Washington only provided them when it felt Ukraine was ready.

Chief of Staff General Mark Milley said Wednesday that while four of the Himars systems are being prepared for Ukraine, the training is also aimed at enabling a detachment capable of operating it. shipping delay.

Himars is “an extremely sophisticated long-range system,” Milley told the media. “We have to certify these guys to make sure they know how to use the system properly.”

If they are used correctly and effectively, it will have a very, very good effect on the battlefield.”

However, according to a Washington official, the United States is not considering sending the Gray Eagle tactical drones to Ukraine for fear they could attack deep regions of Russia; This is a move that risks putting Washington in direct conflict with Moscow.