All articles tagged with #weapons supply
Germany has pledged $500 million to NATO's initiative to supply Ukraine with U.S.-made weapons, reinforcing its commitment to supporting Ukraine's defense efforts amid ongoing conflict, and following earlier contributions from other NATO members.
The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff revealed that the United States has not fulfilled all of Israel's requests for weapons during its operations against Hamas in Gaza, citing capacity limitations and concerns about impact on U.S. military readiness. The U.S. remains committed to ensuring Israel's military edge but is engaged in ongoing dialogue with Israel regarding the impact of requested aid on humanitarian efforts and civilian protection. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to target Hamas fighters in the city of Rafah, despite U.S. concerns about civilian casualties, has raised further questions about the feasibility and execution of the operation.
French President Macron emphasizes the importance of defeating Russia in Ukraine for Europe's security, as Ukraine faces urgent pleas for more weapons to counter Russian troops. European leaders have agreed to provide Ukraine with medium- and long-range missiles and bombs, but there is no consensus on sending Western troops to Ukraine. The US aid package for Ukraine faces obstacles in the House of Representatives, and Ukraine's defense minister highlights delays in Western aid, impacting lives and territory. Russian President Putin's invasion of Ukraine continues into its third year, with no signs of resolution.
Western officials claim that Russia is facing extreme challenges in supplying weapons and ammunition for the war in Ukraine, with sanctions and an inability to access Western components severely undermining its production capabilities. Russia has been seeking alternative sources for arms, including from Iran and North Korea, but the quality is questionable. While Russia has made advances in the conflict, concerns are mounting over the provision of Western weapons to Ukraine, as the war enters its third year and the supply of ammunition, arms, and manpower becomes a critical factor.
France will provide 12 more Caesar self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine and is seeking financial assistance from other countries to supply an additional 60. The French Armed Forces Minister also announced plans to deliver air-to-surface precision guided munitions and train thousands of Ukrainian troops. France is leading an artillery coalition and aims to improve equipment based on Ukrainian feedback, with a focus on increasing artillery capability to enhance Ukraine's security.
Ukraine's air defense resources are being stretched by intensified Russian missile and drone attacks, leaving the country vulnerable in the ongoing conflict. The recent escalation has depleted Ukraine's weapons stockpiles, prompting a plea for more weapons, especially air defense systems and artillery shells, from Western allies. President Zelenskyy highlighted the critical need for air defense systems to protect civilian areas and troop positions. Meanwhile, Russia's Defense Minister declared that efforts to bolster Ukraine's firepower won't change the situation, as Russia continues its winter campaign with expanded production of missiles and drones. The U.S. plan to send further aid to Ukraine is stuck in Congress, and Europe's pledge to provide artillery shells has fallen short, leaving Ukraine in need of crucial support to counter Russian attacks.
The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has announced a reduction in the timeframe for supplying Ukrainian-made equipment and weapons to the Armed Forces. The changes include simplifying the testing process and allowing manufacturers to determine the technical parameters of the products. The ministry has canceled unnecessary weapons tests and reduced the number of checks during production, enabling troops to receive new weapons and military equipment faster. The focus will now be on confirming the effectiveness, safety, and reliability of the equipment.
Ukrainian forces face a renewed Russian onslaught in Avdiivka, with the Russians deploying assault units, armored equipment, aircraft, and artillery. Ukrainian troops have advanced in the southern Zaporizhia region and potentially broken through on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River. Russian forces carried out air attacks using various weapons, while Ukraine shot down three drones and one cruise missile. NATO increased patrols in the Baltic Sea, and Ukraine's parliament approved increased funding for the army. US President Biden is expected to request $60bn for Ukraine, with half going towards replacing and modernizing US weapons stocks.
South Korea plans to discuss "issues raised" from the leak of several classified U.S. military documents with the United States, according to a South Korean presidential official. One of the documents showed details about internal discussions among top South Korean officials about U.S. pressure on Seoul to help supply weapons to Ukraine, and its policy of not doing so. South Korea has signed major deals providing hundreds of tanks, aircraft and other weapons to NATO member Poland since Russia invaded Ukraine, but a South Korean law forbids supplying weapons to countries engaged in conflict.