The United States recognizes Ukraine’s need to strike further beyond the front line and considers the transfer of heavy fighting vehicles

The United States recognizes Ukraine’s need to strike further beyond the front line, and is considering the best options for the transfer of heavy fighting vehicles, including tanks. Colin Kahl, the U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, made this statement during the conversation with journalists at the Media Center Ukraine – Ukrinform.

“Concerning far-ranging missiles: we continue to hear interesting considerations about them. I think not focusing on the specific one is advantageous. There is a need to reach further beyond the front line and, without getting into details, I will say that we recognize this need in the current phase and we should think about how to help Ukraine overcome this challenge, but I will not decide in advance what kind of system it can be,” he said.

The Under Secretary of Defense also stressed that at every stage of the war, the United States consulted with the Ukrainian leadership and the military about what the most urgent needs are and conversations with Ukraine about provision of missiles will continue. While addressing the possibility of the transfer of Abrams tanks to Ukraine, Colin Kahl noted that these are very expensive weapons that are very difficult to maintain.

“It is not clear whether this is the best response to the challenges, so we will continue to consider what heavy vehicles, including tanks, make more sense to provide on time and in the required quantity, as well as to ensure their support for Ukraine,” the Under Secretary pointed out. As Ukrinform reported, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman arrived in Ukraine on a visit. In addition, the recent U.S. support package included 50 American M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles.

Read more: https://mediacenter.org.ua/news