US continues international talks on weapons supply to Ukraine
The United States will continue to negotiate with Ukraine and allied countries and partners about what the Armed Forces of Ukraine need now and in the future and how to ensure these supplies.
The US Department of Defense spokesperson, General Patrick Ryder, also announced on Thursday during a press briefing at the Pentagon that due to the urgent demand for 155 mm shells after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the USA plans to boost their production to over 80,000 per month by 2024.
"From the point of view of the opportunities that they will need in the future, we will continue discussions with the Ukrainians and our allies and partners," the representative of the US Department of Defense said.
He also noted that after the revision of the Pentagon's expenses, an additional $6.2 billion was released to support Ukraine. According to him, this money will remain available for tranches after the end of the 2023 fiscal year (after September 30).
Ryder stressed that the US administration "remains confident that they will be able to continue supporting Ukraine as long as it takes."
According to the American media, the Biden administration plans to present to the US Congress its request for additional financing for military and other aid to Ukraine.
Due to the urgent need for 155 mm shells after the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, the United States plans to increase its production to more than 80,000 per month next year.
"As of today, we have delivered more than 2 million 155 mm projectiles to Ukraine since the start of hostilities (in 2022 – ed.). We have also ensured a rapid increase in the production of 155 mm ammunition from 14,000 per month in February 2022 to approximately 24,000 per month now, and we plan to do more than 80,000 per month next year," the Pentagon representative noted.
He stressed that these munitions are used up quickly, and their stocks are not unlimited. However, the United States, in addition to production, also interacts with allies and partners, the general added.
Ryder said that while the USA and other countries are increasing the production of projectiles, deliveries of cluster munitions to Ukraine continue. At the same time, he stressed that their use is for military purposes:
"We see all the signs that they (the Ukrainian military – ed.) are properly using these weapons on the battlefield."
As Rubryka reported, on Thursday, the US administration turned to Congress with a request to allocate additional multibillion-dollar funding to support Ukraine.
