Image – Nicolas Raymond
A snapshot of recent news from sources around the world on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
The Moscow Times reported that Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has called for the deployment of next-generation weapons in the conflict in Ukraine. Shoigu said that Russia should continue to upgrade and build advanced weapon systems such as precision long-range weapons, drones and counterbattery equipment for employment in Ukraine.
As the war continues in Ukraine, European leaders are looking to speed development of an investment program that would quickly increase production in Europe’s defense industry. The recommendation is according to a draft of conclusions for an upcoming December 15-16 summit. The push could also see member nations reaching past their borders and joining forces on defense procurements rather than competing against each other and brokering individual deals.
Russia is attempting to cripple Ukraine’s infrastructure, especially is power generation capability. However, a dwindling supply of missiles is hindering this campaign. Russia’s true missile stocks are difficult to discern.
Raytheon Missiles & Defense has been awarded a $1.2 billion contract by the U.S. Army for delivery of six NASAMS air defense systems to Ukraine. The new systems will enable Ukrainian forces to supplement their current Russian-origin SA-6 and SA-8 systems while beginning the transition away from Russian-sourced equipment.
The U.S. may significantly expand training for Ukrainian soldiers, a move Washington has reportedly been considering for weeks. A bolstered training program could see hundreds, if not thousands, of Ukrainian troops trained by U.S. forces located in Germany. Ukraine has requested additional training services to help troops adapt to new weapons flowing into the conflict from allies.
During a meeting with French leader Emmanuel Macron, U.S. President Joe Biden said he would be willing to talk with President Vladimir Putin in consultation with NATO allies if the Russian leader expressed an interest in ending the war. Thus far, Putin has shown no signs of stopping his invasion of Ukraine. During his visit to the White House, Macron said France would increase military support for Ukraine.
The Brimstone 2 is part of a new British military aid package for Ukraine. The original Brimstone is already operational with the Ukrainian military and has been successfully used in combat.
Germany offered to send Patriot air defense systems to Poland after a Ukrainian missile accidentally landed in the latter’s territory. The Polish government suggested that Germany should send the missiles to Ukraine instead.
Milrem Robotics and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) have signed a contract to deliver 14 THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) to Ukraine. The effort is being funded by the German Ministry of Defense.
Russia is attempting to overwhelm and exhaust the Ukrainian air defense system. Moscow is using cruise missiles with non-explosive warheads as decoys to deplete Ukraine’s supply of surface-to-air missiles (SAMs).
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