As Ukraine remains embattled on multiple fronts against Russian advances, a surge of support in the form of military aid from the United States has come to bolster its defenses. The provision of long-range US missiles has enabled Ukrainian forces to launch successful strikes against Russian military targets in occupied Crimea, showcasing a significant increase in Ukraine’s military capabilities.
This military aid from the US, delayed by Congressional blocks, is now making its effects felt, as Ukraine employs newly provided weaponry with devastating effect. These strikes have led to the destruction of Russian planes, warships, and air defense facilities, and even targeted a meeting of Russian military leadership in Luhansk city with French-built SCALP cruise missiles.
The increase in US aid comes as a welcome boost to Ukrainian forces, which have been noted as suffering from a lack of troops, artillery shells, air defense missiles, and are further impeded by other internal challenges. Nonetheless, Ukraine’s spirit remains undaunted. The Ukrainian military has reported significant Russian losses, claiming that eight out of ten of the worst days for Russian military losses in Ukraine occurred in May 2024, with one day’s toll reaching 1,740 troops either killed or wounded. These figures draw stark comparisons with historical losses in other prolonged conflicts, indicating the extraordinary scale of the confrontation in Ukraine.
Amidst the backdrop of this ongoing conflict, Ukraine’s air force is enhancing its prowess with the first group of pilots graduating from a US-run F-16 fighter training program in Tucson, Arizona. With additional F-16 planes expected to arrive from European allies, Ukraine’s ability to contest the skies could soon be significantly improved. This support comes at a crucial juncture as Ukraine’s energy infrastructure remains battered from weeks of Russian strikes, leading to widespread power outages and concerns over civilian morale as colder temperatures approach.
As the war stretches into its third year, Ukraine’s endeavor to recruit more soldiers has led to controversial decisions. The Ukrainian parliament has amended its conscription act, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed legislation allowing certain categories of prisoners to fight in the armed forces, under strict conditions. This bold move indicates the lengths to which Ukraine is prepared to go to bolster its defensive line.
In a measure of international support, the European Council has agreed to supply Ukraine with funds generated from the interest on frozen Russian assets under sanctions, totaling an estimated $3.25bn per year. Furthermore, in the United States, President Biden has enacted the REPO Ukrainians Act, allowing the transfer of Russian sovereign funds to Ukraine. Such steps demonstrate a multi-pronged approach by the international community to ensure Ukraine’s capacity to withstand and counter Russian aggression.
Relevant articles:
– Ukraine is hard-pressed but defiant , Workers’ Liberty, 05/27/2024
– Ukraine to allow some prisoners to enter army, as Kyiv focuses on finding needed recruits, CBC.ca, 05/25/2024
– Israel-Gaza latest: Gaza ‘beyond catastrophic’; Israeli airstrikes in Rafah ‘kill 35’, Sky News, 05/27/2024
– WATCH: Putin visits Republic of Belarus amid strengthening alliances, Yahoo Singapore News, 05/24/2024
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