A snapshot of recent news from sources around the world on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
155mm Artillery Shell. Image – General Dynamics
As the U.S. looks to rebuild its munitions stocks, the Army is planning to produce some 1 million 155mm artillery shells a year, beginning in FY25. The ramp-up to a goal of 85,000 shells a month is meant to help Ukraine keep the momentum in its counteroffensive as well.
Little progress was made in recent peace talks hosted by Saudi Arabia. The talks did give China a chance to show its diplomatic prowess, though questions about motive remain divisive.
Abrams tanks being donated to Ukraine by the U.S. have been approved for shipment and are expected to arrive by early fall. The U.S. is sending 31 refurbished M1A1 tanks to Ukraine.
Russia’s aerial campaign against Ukraine’s infrastructure is continuing. The latest attack took place on August 6. Russian forces launched 70 drones and missiles.
Britain has provided its Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) to Ukraine. This missile has been modified to operate as a ground-based air defense system.
Germany will ship 40 Marder infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) and Bergepanzer 2 armored recovery vehicles to Ukraine. Germany will also provide remotely controlled and protected mineclearing systems and 18,000 man-portable anti-tank weapons. Berlin will also deliver additional Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine.
The German government is still considering whether to send Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. German media reported on Friday that Berlin was in talks with manufacturer MBDA about modifying the system ahead of possible delivery of the missiles.
Ukraine could receive armored vehicles from Bulgaria. Sofia will donate about 100 armored personnel carriers to the Ukrainian military.
Russia has used hypersonic missiles in a new attack on the town of Pokrovsk. At least two missiles were used in this attack on August 7.
Ukraine has again asked the United States to provide its Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS). Kyiv says it needs the ATACMS to enhance its long-range attack capability.
Ukraine is accused of staging another attack on Moscow using unmanned air vehicles (UAVs). Russian air defense units say they engaged the aerial threats.
Russia is to deploy its Kh-50 missile to Ukraine. The missile has been cleared for operational use. Moscow says this will boost the firepower of its armed forces.
Russia says Ukraine has again attacked Moscow with drones. On August 10, Russian air defense systems shot down two drones targeting Moscow. This was the second straight day of drone attacks on Moscow.
Moscow has roughly doubled its planned defense budget for 2023, as wartime spending ramps up. According to documents seen by Reuters, the Russian government has already spent RUB5.59 trillion on defense, compared to the original plan of RUB4.9 trillion, and military expenditure could reach RUB9.7 trillion ($97.8 billion) by the end of the year. Over a third of public outlays are being directed toward defense.
The Biden administration is seeking another $13 billion in security assistance for Ukraine, as well as an additional $8 billion in humanitarian assistance for Kyiv.
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