Ukraine struck over 400 russian targets with HIMARS – US general

Ukraine struck more than 400 russian targets with the help of HIMARS missile systems supplied by the United States.

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States, General Mark Milley, stated this at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

"We are seeing real and measurable gains from Ukraine in the use of these systems. For example, the Ukrainians have struck over 400 targets with the HIMARS, and they've had a devastating effect," Milley said after a Ukraine defense contact group meeting.

Milley added that the targets being struck created a strain on russian supply channels, reducing their combat capability. Command posts were hit, and he said there are difficulties with replacing what was lost in the battles and supplying their forces.

Milley said that all contact group members would continue cooperating to provide Ukraine with everything it needs to protect its freedom.

The defense ministers met on Ramstein Base to discuss supporting Kyiv with military assistance over the long haul. The six-month-old war turned into a war of attrition fought primarily in the east and south of Ukraine.

US President Joe Biden approved an additional $675 million weapons package for Ukraine, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told the meeting. The latest US package includes more ammunition, humvees, and anti-tank systems.

Washington has already provided more than $10 billion in military assistance to President Volodymyr Zelensky's government since russian troops invaded on Feb. 24.

"This contact group needs to position itself to sustain Ukraine's brave defenders for the long haul," Austin said, referring to the meeting. "That means a continued and determined flow of capability now."

A senior State Department official said that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken would announce $2 billion in new US military financing to Ukraine and 18 other countries at risk of future russian aggression. 

Read Rubryka's timeline of war: current news on Ukraine's defense against russia's aggression.