The US government is now considering sending advanced, long-range multiple rocket launchers to Ukraine. The US-made MLRS and HIMARS artillery systems could fire missiles hundreds of kilometers away, broadcaster CNN reported on Thursday, citing several officials. A new military aid package could be announced as early as next week. Ukraine asked for these types of weapons, it said.
Could be used for attacks on Russian territory
However, the US government is hesitant because of fears that Ukraine could use the missile systems for attacks on Russian territory. The question arises whether this could lead to a Russian retaliation, according to CNN.
The focus of US arms deliveries to Ukraine has so far been Javeline anti-tank missiles, Stinger shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles, firearms and ammunition. However, the United States has already begun to deliver M777 howitzers to Ukraine, which have a range of around 25 kilometers. The systems now under discussion could therefore shoot considerably further. Congressman Jason Crow, who recently visited Kyiv with a delegation, said these artillery systems could give Ukraine a significant advantage. They could help keep Russian artillery, which has a much shorter range, away from urban centers in Ukraine.
US President Joe Biden put into effect a new billion-euro aid package from the US for Ukraine with a volume of almost 40 billion dollars (38 billion euros) just over the weekend. Around half of the total amount from the package goes to defense. Of this, $6 billion is earmarked for direct military aid to Ukraine. Billions more are to be used, among other things, to replenish US stockpiles of military equipment that was sent to Ukraine. The US government had previously launched several large packages of support for Ukraine.
Source: Nachrichten
