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US preparing to send long-range rocket systems to Ukraine: CNN

27.05.2022 19:30
The United States is preparing to send advanced, long-range rocket systems to Ukraine to help it defend itself against Russia, broadcaster CNN reported on Friday, citing officials it did not name.
Destroyed Russian military equipment on display in Ukraines Kyiv, May 24, 2022.
Destroyed Russian military equipment on display in Ukraine's Kyiv, May 24, 2022.Photo: PAP/Maksim Poliszczuk

Such systems that are now the top request from the government in Kyiv, it said.

The US administration is preparing to step up the kind of weaponry it is offering Ukraine, and it may send the systems as part of a larger package of military and security assistance that could be announced next week, according to CNN.

Senior Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, have pleaded in recent weeks for the United States and its allies to provide the US-made Multiple Launch Rocket System, or MLRS, which can fire a barrage of rockets hundreds of kilometres, the US broadcaster reported on its website.

Ukraine has also asked for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, known as HIMARS, according to CNN.

Ukraine's Zelensky was quoted as saying earlier this month that "multiple rocket launchers could be a game changer" in his country's war against Russia.

“We appeal to all countries to supply MLRS systems, thanks to which Ukraine will be able to take the initiative and liberate its territory,” Zelensky said, as quoted by the Kyiv Independent media outlet.

Some 20 countries including Poland this week pledged new military assistance to war-torn Ukraine, officials have announced.

(gs)

Source: PAPCNN