U.S. supplies extra ammunition to Kiev
Following Ukraine's missile barrage of Crimea with rockets supplied by the USA, Russia issues ominous warnings. The stern rhetoric appears to fall on deaf ears in Washington. Reports suggest an official announcement tomorrow regarding further munitions for Himars launchers.
According to government sources, the USA is planning to provide Ukraine an additional $150 million worth of ammunition. Initially set for an official announcement today, according to two anonymous US government representatives, the decision will be made public tomorrow. The continued supply of US ammo from existing stocks is hoped to aid the Ukrainian military in fending off escalating Russian assaults.
The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the US ambassador Lynne Tracy on Monday to voice a diplomatic protest over Ukraine's attack on the illegally annexed Crimean peninsula by Russia. Russian accounts claim that during Sunday's attack, which resulted in four deaths and over 150 casualties, US-made Atacms missiles were utilized. Moscow now views Washington as a "de facto belligerent" due to these events. The upcoming supply is rumored to include ammunition for the Himars Multiple Rocket Launchers received from the USA, which can also fire Atacms missiles.
Attacks on Russian soil permitted
West-allied Ukraine has regarded the Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014 as per international law, as a legitimate target for a long time. Last week, the US Defense Department confirmed that the Ukrainian military can employ rockets with extended range, provided by the USA, within Russian territory for defensive purposes.
"It's more than obvious that the direct participation of the USA in combat situations leading to the loss of Russian lives will not go unpunished," warned Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Initially, the Moscow Defense Ministry claimed after Crimea's bombardment that they had shot down four rockets and deflected the fifth one with their air defense, bringing it down over a beach. However, once the high casualty figures were revealed, Russia recanted their statement.
Read also:
In response to Russia's accusations of US involvement in the attack on Crimea, the White House has remained firm, stating that the provision of ammunition for Himars rocket launchers does not constitute permission for attacks on Russian soil. Meanwhile, tensions continue to rise as debates on arms deliveries to Ukraine, including potential use of Himars for defensive purposes in disputed territories, dominate international discussions.
