U.S., Ukraine Tackle War Escalation As Long-Range Missiles Fly To Kyiv

As Western partners equip Ukraine with increasingly sophisticated, longer-range weapons, the US spoke of the danger of escalation should Ukraine hit Russia’s interior, Reuters reported, Kyiv Independent said, citing unnamed US and diplomatic officials.

Photo Insert: Ukraine has repeatedly requested the provision of multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) and HIMARS.

“We have concerns about escalation and yet still do not want to put geographic limits or tie their (Ukraine’s) hands too much with the stuff we’re giving them,” a US official reportedly said.

CNN added the US is ready to provide long-range rocket systems for Ukraine, potentially as part of a larger military and humanitarian aid package to be announced as early as next week. Ukraine has repeatedly requested the provision of multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) and HIMARS.

Russia has achieved only “incremental progress” in Donbas despite numerical advantage. In its May 26 update, the US Defense Department said 110 Russian battalion tactical groups have been deployed in Ukraine, but Russian forces have only made “small gains.” Overwhelming progress by Ukrainian forces, especially near Kharkiv, has reportedly offset Russian gains.

CNN also reported that Russia had lost 1,000 tanks in Ukraine since February 24.

Ukraine’s military has also destroyed over 350 artillery pieces, nearly 30 attack bombers, and more than 50 helicopters, a senior US official told CNN. However, Russian forces still have military “superiority in terms of people, and equipment and weapons” over Ukraine.

Ukraine’s Armed Forces has revealed that Russia had lost 29,600 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24. The General Staff reported on May 26 that Russia lost 1,315 tanks, 3,235 armored vehicles, 2,225 vehicles and fuel tanks, 617 artillery pieces, 201 multiple launch rocket systems, 93 surface-to-air missiles, 170 helicopters, 206 airplanes, 502 drones, and 13 boats.

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