What's new

U.S. to send Humvees and unarmed drones to Ukraine

http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/407738.html

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin has met with U.S. National Security Adviser Herbert Raymond McMaster in Washington and called for continuation of providing military-technical assistance to Ukraine.

According to the press service of the ministry, Klimkin expressed gratitude to the United States for support of security and stability in the military and technical sphere of Ukraine.

The minister also noted the need for the further deepening of Ukrainian-American cooperation in the field of security, which is of common interest.

The interlocutors also discussed the possibilities of developing agreements achieved during a telephone conversation between the Ukrainian and U.S. presidents on February 5, 2017 and continuing a dialogue with the U.S. administration at all levels for this purpose.
 
https://www.unian.info/war/1813937-...of-military-grade-equipment-into-ukraine.html

As UNIAN reported earlier, the Appropriations Committee of the U.S. Senate in early March has drafted a bill providing for a $150 million worth of military assistance.


The report says the devices obtained by the defendant and his co-conspirators included night vision rifle scopes and thermal imaging equipment, including an Armasight Zeus-Pro 640 2-16x50 (60Hz) Thermal Imaging weapons sight, a FLIR Thermosight R-Series, Model RS64 60 mm 640x480 (30Hz) Rifle Scope, and a ATN X-Sight II 5-20x Smart Rifle Scope. In many cases, the devices purchased by the defendant and his co-conspirators are specifically marketed to military and law enforcement consumers.

The complaint alleges that the defendant conspired with others located in both Ukraine and the United States to purchase export-controlled, military-grade equipment from sellers in the United States and to export that equipment to Ukraine without the required licenses.

Armasight Zeus-Pro 640 2-16x50 (60 Hz) Thermal Imaging Weapon Sight
61%2BKyF9wP0L._SX355_.jpg


FLIR ThermoSight R Series Thermal Scope Night Vision Sight 60mm 30Hz RS64

57-41_36cafdbb-00ef-42e5-b862-3f621fa54497_2048x2048.JPG


at_100yds.jpg


ATN X-Sight II HD 5-20x Digital Day/Night Riflescope
atn_dgwsxs520z_x_sight_ii_hd_5_20x85_1224121.jpg


http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/407756.html

Foreign Minister of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin within his visit to the United Stated has met with Marco Rubio, a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

The minister briefed the senator on the current situation in Ukraine, especially in the context of the Kremlin's recent actions to escalate the armed conflict in Donbas.

Rubio assured Klimkin of the U.S. Congress' support for Ukraine's efforts in confronting Russian aggression and implementing reforms. He also stressed the importance of preserving transatlantic unity in the matter of solidarity with Ukraine and providing assistance for modernization and strengthening the defense capability of the Ukrainian state.

Klimkin thanked the senator for constant support for Ukraine and co-authorship in a number of legislative initiatives of the U.S. Congress aimed at maintaining and strengthening the sanctions pressure on the Russian Federation and providing the Ukrainian state with further assistance in the field of security, financial and other sectors.
 
http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/economic/408969.html
Ukraine and the United States have approved $54 million technical assistance for the introduction of reforms in Ukraine.

An Interfax-Ukraine correspondent has reported that on Tuesday the signing of agreements on the provision of technical assistance to Ukraine was on Tuesday in Kyiv. The assistance will be sent to promote reforms for stable economic development and more transparent management processes with broad participation of citizens.

First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economic Development and Trade Stepan Kubiv, who took part in the signing ceremony, said that the assistance will be provided in the energy sphere, rule of law and ensuring responsibility of power institutions to citizens.

He said that the today's agreement includes the provision of $54 million, but the entire sum of technical sum will be $123 million.

Kubiv said that cooperation between Ukraine and the United States in technical assistance and reform support started in 1992. Ukraine has received $4.3 billion of assistance, including some $2 billion provided by USAID.
 
http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/409959.html

The Ukrainian-U.S. conference for using U.S. firefinder radar systems in the Armed Forces of Ukraine was held at the artillery practice ground near Divychki (Kyiv region).

"U.S. specialists presented their recommendations on combat use of the radar systems and exchanged experience with Ukrainian officers," the press service of Defense Ministry of Ukraine reported on Saturday.

"Some urgent issues concerning the use of AN/TPQ-36 Firefinder Weapon Locating System and further cooperation with the United States were discussed," the press service said.

fig4-12.gif


Delivery of two Q-36 radar systems to Ukraine in Lviv on 14 November 2015
1024px-US_delivers_two_Q-36_counter_battery_radar_systems_to_Ukraine.jpg


Specifications

  • Maximum range: 24 km
  • Effective range
Artillery: 18 km
Rockets: 24 km

  • Azimuth sector: 90°
 
https://www.unian.info/politics/184...er-prospects-of-us-lethal-aid-to-ukraine.html

Chairman of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee Sen. John McCain at a joint press conference with Sen. Ron Johnson in Brussels has expressed optimism regarding possible provision of lethal aid to Ukraine by Donald Trump’s administration, according to an UNIAN correspondent.


"Obviously, for many years, I have approved of at least the modalities of Ukraine’s entry into NATO. I would say, the first priority for Ukraine and the United States is to give Ukraine lethal weapons, defensive weapons with which to defend themselves, such as Javelin, counterbattery radar, and other capabilities," McCain said


Answering an UNIAN reporter’s question on the time frame of lethal aid provision, McCain expressed hope that the current U.S. administration could implement such decision as at least some officials are inclined to do so. "I cannot predict that result but I’m optimistic because I have to be optimistic, because Vladimir Putin has recently stepped up their military activities in eastern Ukraine, as we know. And he will continue to do that as long as he thinks he could get away with it." McCain said.


At least we owe these people the ability to defend their sovereign nation which has been invaded by the so-called ‘separatists,’ and we know who they are," the U.S. Senator said.

Commenting on the violent death of a lawyer in Magnitsky case in Moscow and the latest assassination of Russia’s exiled former MP Voronenkov, McCain said that "Vladimir Putin is behaving with impunity, like the thug and gangster that he is."

As UNIAN reported earlier, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal in July 2015, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said Ukraine needed 1,240 anti-tank Javelin missiles to deter Russian aggression, noting that it was a “fair” request.

Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Valeriy Chaly earlier said Ukraine expected to receive at least 1,000 Javelins in case of Russia’s full-scale offensive in Donbas.
 
The parties discussed military political situation in the country, defence reform implementation progress and priorities of NATO-Ukraine cooperation.

“Joint work done with NATO is very important and gave positive results at all the levels: from strategic documents to Ukrainian military training by NATO instructors,” Gen. Poltorak stressed.

The Minister of Defence thanked for consultative assistance from foreign advisers and underscored the necessity to cooperate with the NATO Liaison Office.

Mr. Vinnikov praised the results of cooperation and reaffirmed the necessity to continue the dialog.

6b788775061fa97ba95186d55447431b58d4fff4.jpg


4b8abd5ef3007e259bb679cff1c3606658e294f5.jpg


51869da89422b3e2cbe6d817a1e9098ced54ece0.jpg


**************
 
http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/413113.html
The Ukrainian Embassy to the United States has thanked Washington for the continued support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"The U.S. will continue to lead international efforts to hold Russia accountable for its violation of key principles of international law and undermining the existing system of European security," the press service of the Ukrainian Embassy in the U.S. wrote on its Facebook page.

As reported, the United States expressed its support for Ukraine as it defends its sovereign territory, strengthens its economy, and continues to implement reforms.

"Sec. Tillerson: We stand by #Ukraine as it defends its sovereign territory, strengthens its economy, and continues to implement reforms," the U.S. Mission to NATO quoted on Twitter Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on March 31.

A meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission at the level of foreign ministers was held in Brussels on March 31.
 
https://www.unian.info/politics/187...gressmen-defensive-lethal-aid-to-ukraine.html

Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak has discussed with the members of the Committee on Armed Forces of the House of Representatives of the U.S. Congress the issue of the possibility of the U.S. granting Ukraine defensive weapons.

According to him, the United States of America is interested in Ukraine's successes and effective reforms.

"During today's meeting, representatives of the U.S. Congress who are members of the Armed Forces Committee confirmed their clear position on supporting Ukraine in our struggle for territorial integrity, and expressed admiration for the courage of the Ukrainian military who fight with the enemy," the minister wrote on Facebook.

He noted that during the meeting with the congressmen, he discussed the current situation in the east of Ukraine, the course of the military reform, and the issues of the possibility of the U.S. providing Ukraine with defensive weapons.

"I am grateful to the Government of the United States and the whole nation for their consistent support," Poltorak added.

Minister of Defence of Ukraine General of the Army of Ukraine Stepan Poltorak held talks with US congressmen.

The parties discussed current situation in east of Ukraine and at the boundary with Russian Federation, as well as focused on bilateral cooperation.

“Despite the strength of the enemy’s army the Ukrainians do not fear Russia and are ready to defend every inch of their land,” the Minister said.

Gen. Poltorak also spoke about the progress of defence reform and thanked the US government and people for support.

Congressmen expressed their satisfaction with implemented and ongoing reforms.

07c6554fc2fb21eb1410d3a241472b6d5866fd20.jpg

c0e7147920ce67bbe114b730c0e7098b786742b0.jpg
eab34c01a3fce8287e85d09a5e0f3a5405b521e0.jpg
 
Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Lieutenant General Serhii Bessarab held talks with representatives of the Senate Armed Forces Committee.

“We thank the Americans for support and assistance. The equipment provided by the US party saves and saved lives of our soldiers”, Gen. Bessarab said.

He also thanked for work of the US instructors training the Ukrainian soldiers and sharing their experience with them.

Meanwhile, Mr Thomas Gofus, Head of US delegation, underscored the importance of the US-Ukraine constructive military cooperation and US assistance information exchange in order to define its efficiency and volumes.
1384a76bd73d25bd8732f9eb3859fefbd0fbc2bf.jpg
876310e481b28072ba61b3e8126d0fe56cb5504b.jpg
a8b4f17f20008c0817f0a727105661fbe2a94596.jpg


It was stated at a media press conference in Kramatorsk. According to Chief of coordination mine action group Col. Serhii Zubarevskyi the most vulnerable are settlements along the conflict line.

“Over the ATO EOD teams have found and disposed about 150,000 UXOs, cleared 3,000 ha,” Col. Serhii Zubarevskyi said, “This year we’re going to clear 94 sites i.e. 1,000 ha.”

Nick Torbet, Operations, The Halo Trust, said that their organization had carried out works in 15 regions of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts and had huge plans for this year.
8749ae6eea72244e5da590a22d2a08f8bb82c160.jpg

deb818d8f8452ba8e254595416ab4477ace4eb30.jpg
ca661ff45040dad1d7dca1298b6bf6550f342165.jpg
62f447bdc76448a2f0a81394394da4ec48e403bb.jpg
 
http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/418737.html

The U.S. Defense Ministry has transferred to Ukraine radio communications equipment worth $21 million, according to Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.

"I am happy to participate in the transfer to Ukraine's State Border Service equipment that we received from our American partners. This equipment is worth $21 million dollars, or UAH 0.5 billion," Poroshenko said during a ceremony marking the even in Kyiv on Friday.

The president said the gear would enhance the effectiveness of border security efforts, as well as provide secure communications between various units of Ukraine's armed forces.

"They will help us to resist the aggressor's radio-electronic warfare against us," Poroshenko said.

According to Poroshenko, efforts should be made to enhance the work of the State Border Service. He also commended members of the service for their work in the Anti-Terrorism Operation (ATO) zone in eastern Ukraine.

"Today we don't have the right to let our guard down. Not one terrorist, not one accomplice to separatism, as well as weapons and explosives, should cross the state border into Ukraine.
 
http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/economic/419376.html

The United States remains committed to a further financial support for Ukraine, Ukrainian Finance Minister Oleksandr Danyliuk has said.

"The Ukrainian delegation I headed took part in the annual spring meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in the United States [held on April 18-23]... In Washington important meetings were also held with the new administration of the president of the United States, including with the key representative of the economic block of the administration - U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross... I was assured that the financial support of Ukraine will continue because our country is of strategic importance in the region," he said in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine.

Danyliuk said at a meeting with Ross he discussed the issue of attracting investments to Ukraine.

"In the past a well-known financier from Wall Street understands well Ukraine's investment opportunities and the ways of realizing the potential of our country. The new administration is interested in developing bilateral economic relations and expanding the presence of American business in Ukraine. Now we are working on a specific list of potential joint projects, as well as the elimination of obstacles to attracting investment to the country," the minister said.
 
http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/economic/419801.html

The U.S. Congress has approved the 2017 consolidated appropriations act allotting at least $560 million of assistance to Ukraine, the Ukrainian embassy to the United States has said.

"Ukraine highly values the bilateral support of the United States Congress! The Senate and House of Representatives have passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 under which not less than $560 mln. shall be made available for assistance for Ukraine. The bill is now headed to the U.S. President for signature," the embassy said on its Facebook page.

The document envisages the total sum of assistance to Ukraine in the amount of at least $560.465 million, including $410.465 million to be sent to various assistance programs and $150 million under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.

The U.S. Congress also approved the allocation of military assistance to Ukraine in the amount of $150 million. The document says that these funds will be available to the Pentagon in order to provide Ukraine with military support, including, in particular, the provision of lethal weapons of defensive character and equipment, logistics support, intelligence support of the Ukrainian army and national security forces, training of Ukrainian armed forces personnel and other programs.
 
http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/economic/420739.html

Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives Michael McCaul has said the U.S. Congress intends to review assistance to Ukraine in 2018.

"What's going in Ukraine impacts the entire world. If we don't stop Mr. Putin and Russian aggression against Ukraine, it will spread everywhere," McCaul said during a meeting in Kyiv with Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman on Thursday. McCaul was accompanied by several other U.S. lawmakers.

McCaul said the U.S. has supported Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion and is ready to continue support, including material support and possibly the supply of lethal and non-lethal weapons.

"We stand ready to review the amount of budget funds allotted to the region in 2018," he said.

As earlier reported, on Wednesday a bipartisan group of lawmakers from the U.S. House of Representatives met with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. The sides discussed strengthening cooperation in the defense sector and preserving sanctions against the Russian Federation for illegally annexing Ukraine and invading eastern Ukraine.
 
http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/424995.html

NATO's agency for supporting and equipping member states (NSPA) has recommended including Ukrainian arms producers in the list of producers of military equipment used by NATO members and alliance partners, Ukraine's state-owned defense concern Ukroboronprom announced on Tuesday.

"Ukroboronprom received permission to take part in tenders to supply goods and services sought by NATO member states under the aegis of the non-system brokerage services," the press release said.

"Ukraine is the first of east European NATO partners which would be included in the list. This testifies to the fact that NATO recognizes the potential of our government's military industrial complex and trusts it," Ukroboronprom officials said.

Ukraine's NATO representative said preparations are already underway to make contractual and legal changes to become eligible for NSPA tenders.

Ukraine and NATO accelerated dialogue and cooperation in 2014. At the start of 2015 Kyiv announced plans to join NATO's procurement system. Ukraine plans by 2020 to switch production to NATO standards.

Until recently, one of the key sectors in which Ukraine's military industrial complex has cooperated with the alliance is import substitution. According to Ukroboronprom, 40 companies under its aegis have been given access to the NATO Catalogue of References for Logistics.

Ukroboronprom in 2016 announced plans to conduct reforms of Ukraine's military industrial base by corporatizing branches, conducting audits, creating military enterprise clusters, protecting technology, as well as launching platforms for military innovation.

Ukraine pegs its successful implementation of reforms with broadening technological cooperation with the U.S. in the sphere of military industrial production.
 
0e31a6e9a472b983e0a3fdc19ebfb5f037a53f19.jpg


Tuesday, May 30. KYIV – Defense Minister of Ukraine General of the Army of Ukraine Stepan Poltorak met with U.S. Senator Cory Booker.

During the meeting the U.S. Senator stressed that he’s grateful for heroism and courage of Ukrainian people.

According to him, Ukrainians encountered difficulties and dangerous challenges with honor, fighting not only for themselves but also for democracy and freedom around the world. Ukrainian soldiers are courageous, patriotic and loyal to their homeland. All of this makes every nation respect Ukrainians and believe that Ukraine deserves to have a better future.
 
Back
Top Bottom