Ukraine Seeks Long-Range U.S. Rocket Launchers

Ukrainian officials are pleading with US President Joe Biden to send over accurate and deadly long-range US rocket launchers to the frontlines but Washington is more inclined to ship in advanced anti-ship missiles to defeat Russia's naval blockade, Politico reported.

Photo Insert: A Block II Harpoon missile

The White House is looking to arm Ukraine with Boeing Harpoon and Naval Strike missiles made by Kongsberg and Raytheon Technologies, Reuters also reported.

The Ukrainians want long-range missiles to be deployed in defeating the already-flagging Russian campaign in the Donbas region, Kyiv Independent also reported. If the US Senate approves $40 billion in aid to Ukraine, it will send the bill to Biden for signature.

The US Senate on May 19 gave final approval to a $40 billion emergency military and humanitarian aid package for Ukraine.

Biden has announced a $100 million military aid package for Ukraine, which will include artillery, radar, and other equipment. G7 countries also agreed to allocate $18.4 billion to Ukraine.

The sum includes $9.2 billion from the US, according to the draft document quoted by Reuters. Australia is sending Ukraine 14 M113 armored personnel carriers (APCs) and 20 Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles, Australian Defense magazine reported.

The country will also provide Ukraine with 60 pallets of medical supplies donated by Australian citizens as well as three pallets of radiation monitoring equipment and some personal protective equipment.

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