Reuters learned about US plans to supply Ukraine with long-range missiles

The US is preparing a new $2.2 billion military aid package for Ukraine that could include long-range missiles. About it informs Reuters, citing two officials familiar with the matter.

We are talking about GLSDB homing missiles, the range of which is 150 km. It is specified that the United States rejected the request of Ukraine to supply ATACMS missiles with a range of 297 km.

According to Reuters, weapons manufacturer Boeing offered to hand over the GLSDB to Kyiv back in November, with the missiles previously expected to arrive in Ukraine by spring. Boeing makes the rockets with Saab Group, they are controlled by GPS and can be used in all weather conditions. GLSDB are launched from missile systems such as MLRS M270 and HIMARS.

It is expected that new deliveries of weapons will be announced this week. In addition to long-range missiles, the package will also include Patriot air defense equipment, ammunition, and Javelin anti-tank weapons, the agency’s sources say.

Russia’s special operation in Ukraine began on February 24, 2022. After that, Western countries began to provide military assistance to Ukraine and imposed large-scale sanctions against the Russian Federation. In particular, since the beginning of hostilities, the United States has already provided Ukraine with weapons worth about $27.2 billion.

The Russian authorities have repeatedly criticized the supply of Western weapons to Kyiv. In particular, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, warned that pumping Ukraine with weapons brings NATO closer to the dangerous line of a direct military clash with Russia. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warnedthat the supply of long-range weapons will only expand the geography of the special operation.