US to send $150 million in munitions to Ukraine amid escalating tensions with Russia

The United States is expected to announce on June 25 that it will send an additional $150 million in munitions to Ukraine, aimed at bolstering its defence capabilities against Russian attacks.

According to Caliber.Az,  two US officials who spoke anonymously to local media due to the sensitivity of the information, provided these details ahead of the official announcement. They said this move comes amidst accusations from Russia that Ukraine used U.S.-provided munitions in recent strikes on Crimea and Russian-held territory.

Russia summoned the American ambassador on Monday to protest the alleged use of U.S.-made advanced missiles in an attack on Crimea, which reportedly resulted in casualties. Crimea was annexed by Russia from Ukraine in 2014, a move widely condemned internationally as unlawful and remains a contentious area in the ongoing conflict.

Previously, the Pentagon had restricted Ukraine from using longer-range missiles provided by the U.S. to target Russian soil, but recently approved such actions if deemed necessary for self-defence. This shift in policy reflects escalating tensions and the need for Ukraine to defend itself effectively.

The upcoming $150 million shipment of US munitions, drawn from existing stockpiles, is set to include support for systems like the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), capable of firing Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles. While specifics on ATACMS munitions were not confirmed, it was clarified that cluster munitions are not included in the aid package.

In addition to HIMARS capabilities, the package encompasses anti-armor weapons, small arms, grenades, and crucial artillery rounds such as the 155 mm and 105 mm variants. These supplies are intended to enhance Ukrainian forces' ability to repel intensified Russian attacks.