by Andrea Marinelli and Guido Olimpio
War aid to the Ukrainians was gradual and not always coordinated. After the initial reaction, urgent and hectic, we jumped to the next level. A step that anticipated another: the changed conditions made it possible to overcome resistance
As preparations for the expected Russian offensive continue, as revealed by satellite photos showing troop concentrations and column movements along Ukraine’s eastern border, western countries are continuing supplies to Kiev. For British intelligence, the appointment of the new commander, Alexander Dvornikov, is an attempt by the Kremlin to achieve greater coordination, which was neglected in the first phase. In Mariupol, fierce fighting broke out in the steelworks: the last Ukrainian contingent resisted here, with little ammunition and no chance of getting help. Chechen dictator Kadyrov, who used his cutthroats in the siege, says a thousand marines surrendered, but there’s no confirmation.
The latest news about the war in Ukraine
However, important clues come from American deliveries. War aid to the Ukrainians was gradual and not always coordinated. After the first reaction, urgent and frenetic, with the deployment of antitank and antiaircraft missiles, we jumped to the next level: a step that anticipated another because the changed conditions made it possible to overcome resistance. Killings of civilians and Russia’s childhood illnesses have fueled the acceleration. The latest package approved by the White House is significant another $750 million, bringing the total to $1.7 billion sent after February 24 but for some it falls short. Rumor has it that the United States contained the artillery of Mi17 “heavy” helicopters (of Russian design, but Pentagon officials deny it), armored Humvees, coastal defense drones, antichemical equipment.
Attack drone makers, from the Reaper to the Gray Eagle, have also been scrutinized: however, they need training and are at risk if Ukraine is not in control of the skies because they can be shot down. With these means, Zelenskyy can try to face the next shoulder prepared by Moscow. However, it requires a larger number of guns, missile systems and longrange laserguided missiles, radar capable of detecting enemy batteries, antiship systems, radar and missiles to counter enemy aviation (S300 type). Without the “umbrella” his units risk being exposed to raids: currently the Russians are conducting an average of 3032 raids every day, they will probably try to increase the rate.
More tanks and armored vehicles are needed. Something has arrived (like the Slovak T72s, Australian vehicles, Slovak SPGs), others must arrive (the Mastiffs and Jackals announced from London). German Rheinmentall offered some old Leopard 1s (perhaps once used by Italy), there is always a Polish lot at stake. The points are the usual: quantity and above all quality, requirements that are not always given. Same problem for fighters. Zelensky was left with a handful of planes, too few to face very severe tests, a clash experts say identical to those of World War II. Slovakia also brought up the idea of selling their ten Mig29s, with many flying hours behind them. However, he wants NATO to guarantee the protection of their skies and, above all, is striving for better jets. The British Institute Rusi wrote that although Egypt also has Mig29s available, the possible change is linked to political considerations, will and the need for replacements.
When it comes to subsidies, there are 5 categories:
1) The promises of important material.
2) The material delivered or in progress.
3) The delivered kept secret.
4) The broken promises because there are doubts, conflicts in the respective states.
5) Aid guaranteed by the US in exchange for more modern systems. Some of the “pieces” are really outdated, pulled from storage. Solidarity with the resistance can also be an opportunity to get rid of tried and tested weapons.
For weeks, Washington has been sending 810 planes a day to countries bordering Ukraine, from where the cargo is then transported overland to the front lines. “These weapons don’t stay put for long,” a Pentagon official told Washington Post. . “Once they arrive at the transshipment points, they are ‘palletized’ and loaded onto trucks, which the Ukrainian armed forces then bring into the country.” So far, according to the White House, over 5,000 antitank spears and 1,400 antiaircraft Stingers have been sent to Ukraine.
Now the United States would complete the delivery of the last 800 million aid package approved on March 17 and the 100 million aid package promised last week: 19 of the 20 planes needed to carry weapons specifically for antitank missiles intended for the Donbass they would have already arrived at the target. The delivery, the Pentagon clarified, should be completed by midApril.
April 13, 2022 (change April 13, 2022 | 14:13)
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