Why did the US upgrade Ukraine’s firepower?

The $800 million military aid package just announced by the President of the White House does not come from a direct request of Ukraine, but to prepare for a new battle on the open plains in Southeast Ukraine – warlike terrain. forte of the Russian army.

Many experts confirmed to the radio CNN that the above military aid package is by far the clearest signal that the Russia-Ukraine conflict is entering a new phase.

The latest aid package announced by the Biden administration includes 11 Mi-17 helicopters, 18 Howitzer 155 mm cannons and more than 300 Switchblade drones, in addition to radar systems capable of tracking fire The force is coming and searching for their launch point.

This aid package is different from previous times of security aid, partly because it includes heavier and more modern weapons.

American Mi-17 military helicopter. Photo: Reuters

The weapons being provided by the US to Ukraine mainly focus on battles that are likely to take place in the Donbas region – where there is an open combat terrain, different from the type of fighting in narrow spaces in cities and other areas. tree-covered area.

Donbas also borders Russia, allowing its forces to overcome logistical and communication problems.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby on April 14 emphasized that the latest aid package is tailored to the battles in Donbas, which he described as “quite like Kansas (USA)”.

With terrain like Donbas, according to Kirby, Moscow is likely to want to use tanks, long-range firepower, artillery and missiles. The new weapons package is an attempt by Washington to “give every possible advantage to the Ukrainian military in the coming battles,” Kirby added.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Photo: Reuters