$95 Billion for Ukraine: Aid arrives amidst frontline delays
Although the United States has approved an aid package for Ukraine, "The New York Times" reports it will be several months before the military equipment reaches the frontlines. This delay is concerning, given Russia's preparations for the upcoming weeks.
8:41 AM EDT, May 4, 2024
At the end of April, the American Congress authorized a significant aid package for Ukraine and other allied nations, totaling $95 billion. Approximately two-thirds of this sum is earmarked for Kyiv. As detailed by "The New York Times", the first installment of $1 billion has already been delivered to Ukraine in small increments.
Ukraine's aid faces delays; equipment to arrive in months
The U.S. has provided Ukraine with anti-tank missiles and 155 mm artillery shells, among other supplies. In addition, ATACMS missiles were previously supplied in secrecy. However, the bulk of the equipment from the U.S. and other contributing countries will not reach Ukraine for a few months.
The main challenge is logistics. The size of the equipment necessitates transportation by sea or rail. Furthermore, Russian forces, capable of striking targets across Ukraine, pose a threat to weapon and ammunition depots. This significantly obstructs the delivery of combat resources to the front and prolongs the entire process. Moreover, training Ukrainian units to operate the new equipment is essential, a process that sometimes spans several months.
The New York Times cites an official who points out that most military equipment is expected to arrive by mid-summer or later. The United States also faces the challenge of sourcing the promised equipment to Ukraine without substantially weakening its defense capabilities.
Russia gears up for offensive, says Ukraine
In the meantime, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that the conflict with Russia is escalating into a new phase. He suggests that Vladimir Putin and his forces are gearing up for a significant offensive, potentially starting in May or June.
This assessment is echoed by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), which reported on May 4 that Ukrainian sources indicate Russia plans to launch a full-scale assault to seize the Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts.
Currently, Russian troops are advancing on Chasiv Yar. They have reached the city's outskirts, where intense combat is underway. Chasiv Yar is often regarded as a strategic point for gaining control over the entire Donetsk Oblast.
