Berlin delivers less MARS II
US puts another billion in arms shipments
06/15/2022, 8:05 p.m
A new aid package brings the Pentagon’s total investment in Ukraine’s defenses to $5.6 billion. In addition to the USA, Germany also wants to supply rocket launchers. She is going “to the limits,” says Defense Minister Lambrecht.
The US government has announced another $1 billion in arms sales to Ukraine. US President Joe Biden announced the new arms aid in Washington after a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In addition, the United States is providing an additional $225 million in humanitarian assistance to the country, Biden said. Armaments include numerous heavy weapons, such as howitzers and multiple rocket launchers (the latter are tied to Ukraine’s commitment not to use them to attack targets in Russia).
The United States stands firmly with Ukraine in its fight for freedom, Biden said. Since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine at the end of February, the USA has already promised or delivered arms and equipment worth 4.6 billion dollars (4.42 billion euros) to Kyiv. With the new commitment, the sum increases to 5.6 billion US dollars (5.39 billion euros).
In May, the US Congress cleared the way for more billions in aid for Ukraine after a previous support package had almost been exhausted. The new package, which President Joe Biden put into effect with his signature at the end of May, has a volume of almost 40 billion dollars (38 billion euros). Of this, $6 billion is earmarked for direct military aid to Ukraine.
Lambrecht promises three systems MARS II
Meanwhile, Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht promised Ukraine rocket launchers and at the same time said they were going to the limits of what is possible. “What (…) has become clear today is how important it is for Ukraine to have long-range and precise artillery weapons,” she said in Brussels. That is why they decided to hand over three MARS II systems from the Bundeswehr stocks to the Ukraine. It is not just about the rocket launchers, but also about several hundred rockets and spare parts. In addition, the training will be taken care of. Originally, however, Chancellor Olaf Scholz had promised four of these systems.
“It’s important to me that I use this opportunity to hand over from the Bundeswehr, but I’m also going to the limits with it,” said the SPD politician. However, it is ensured that the Bundeswehr can guarantee the defense of the country and the alliance. MARS II can hit targets more than 80 kilometers away. “We are doing this together with our allies Great Britain and the USA. It is important that Ukraine is now supported quickly,” said Lambrecht.