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| Ukraine Quietly Asks the US To Send Various Advanced Weapons |
Washington - Ukraine is in behind-the-scenes talks with the United States to secure shipments of advanced American-made weapons. "The weapons include the Patriot air defense system, F-16 fighter jets, and the MQ-1C Gray Eagle drone," said the Politico report on Friday (16/9/2022).
According to the outlet, while Kiev has stopped publicly demanding these weapons, Ukraine still wants them to counter the Russian military campaign that began in late February. Politico sources said, “Ukraine and the US are discussing whether to send the three items as long-term financing deals are being agreed on the delivery of new weapons to Kiev.”
The report notes discussions have softened, while trying not to distract Kiev from its current battlefield needs. However, according to a Politico source, talk of sending Patriots, F-16s and Gray Eagles "at some point" continues at a low level.
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"The US has so far resisted this call for supply of weaponry, not only because of concerns the move will provoke Moscow, but also because of the maintenance challenges that Kiev forces will face if they eventually receive the equipment," the outlet said.
Another issue is how to prioritize supplies, as many US allies in Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific region also want these weapons. Many Eastern European countries, for example, appear to want US-made F-16 fighters to replace outdated Russian or Soviet-era hardware.
Politico said the US was considering whether to send the Patriots to Kiev "as part of a long-term strategy," given it was unclear when the conflict would end. According to the report, discussions on this issue are still in the early stages. The final decision will be made by US President Joe Biden.
As of September 15, the US had provided about $15.8 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the start of the Biden administration. The US has so far supplied Kiev with large amounts of military equipment, including Javelin anti-tank missiles, the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), dozens of howitzers and hundreds of drones.
Moscow has argued on many occasions that arms supplies from Washington and its allies will only prolong the conflict in Ukraine and increase the risk of direct confrontation between NATO and Russia.