Ukraine spent only $800 million on arms purchases in 2021. American deliveries in January 2023 alone are seven times higher, writes well-known Ukrainian military expert Yuri Butusov. “If this pace of deliveries is maintained in the coming months, the situation on the front will improve significantly in our favor” – he adds.
Yuri Butusov is a well-known military expert and editor-in-chief of censor.net. In Monday’s opinion, posted on Facebook, he reminded that on January 6 and 19, the Department of Defense USA approved 29th and 30th military aid package for Ukraine. The total amount of American military aid reaches USD 5.75 billion.
Bradley armored personnel carriers, more than 100 of which will be supplied by the USA. US Army National Guard photo by 1LT Robert Barney/DVIDS
Butusov writes that last year the peak of American deliveries on Ukraine In August, the US delivered $2.3 billion worth of weapons to Ukraine this month. “Let me remind you that Ukraine itself, which is now demanding arms from countries FOR THISIn 2021, it spent just $800 million on weapons. American deliveries in January 2023 alone are seven times higher,” emphasizes the analyst, recalling that $800 million is the amount allocated to defense during the entire year that preceded the Russian military invasion.
The expert calculates that the US aid package in January includes such armaments as 18 self-propelled 155 mm Paladin self-propelled howitzers, 36 105 mm M119 light towed howitzers, eight Avenger air defense systems, 109 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, 190 Stryker armored personnel carriers , over 500 MRAP and Humvee vehicles.
The package also included ammunition for the NASAMS and HIMARS air defense systems, as well as artillery ammunition.
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Record deliveries in January
Butusov adds that January this year was a record one from the point of view of US arms deliveries to Ukraine. He writes about the largest number of artillery shells and mortar mines of all types – 304.1 thousand, the largest number of armored vehicles and combat vehicles, as well as deliveries of modern combat machines used by the American army and equipped with automated fire control systems.
Avenger air defense systems are also being delivered for the first time to directly support Ukrainian troops, notes the analyst.
CNN reporter near Bakhmut. He checked what weapons the Ukrainians need and how they use them2023 Cable News Network All Right Reserved
The goal of American military strategists
In his publication, Butusov also assesses what, in his opinion, American military strategists wanted to achieve by deciding to provide military assistance to Ukraine. “Increase the firepower of Ukrainian artillery primarily to destroy Russian infantry, increase the tactical mobility of the Ukrainian army, create a qualitative advantage on the battlefield thanks to the supply of modern Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and Stryker armored personnel carriers,” the analyst writes.
He emphasizes that the US’s goal is also to gradually deprive the Russians of their advantage in heavy military equipment and artillery ammunition. “If this pace of deliveries is maintained also in the following months of this year, the situation at the front will improve significantly in our favor” – added Butusov.
Main photo source: US Army National Guard photo by 1LT Robert Barney/DVIDS