Kiev has conducted tests of units manning the BM-21 ‘Grad’ system, a Soviet-designed, truck-mounted multiple rocket launcher, near its southern border with Crimea, according to an announcement by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
On Friday, officials stated that personnel had moved the weapons to Kherson Oblast, just north of the disputed peninsula. Once the Grad systems had been delivered to the testing range, troops conducted exercises designed to practice using the rocket launchers to destroy enemy forces and equipment, without conducting launches.
According to the statement, the weapons completed the tests successfully.
The drills come as Kiev and the US have been warning for months that they fear Russia is planning an invasion of its neighbor in the near future, an allegation that Moscow has repeatedly denied. Western officials have cited reports of Russian troop movements near its border with Ukraine. The Kremlin has said that it is simply moving forces within its own territory, and that it has no aggressive intentions.
This week, Russia announced that it was sending soldiers and equipment, including the anti-air S-400 rocket system, into Belarus for upcoming joint military exercises. The US State Department warned that this could be a sign that Moscow is preparing for war, saying, “we are very alert to everything that Russia is doing.”
After Failed Geneva Meeting, Military Escalation Happening at Stunning Pace
Turner
After the failed meeting between the US and Russia in Geneva this morning, war preparations have escalated to a stunning degree. At this writing at 3:23 PM eastern US time on 21 January, a total of TWO HUNDRED (200) military trains are either enroute to, or have arrived in, Belarus from Russia.
The average number of cars in one train is 50, and the total number of trains with military equipment transferred to Belarus is now 200.
The United States will send additional military aid to Ukraine in the near future, the White House said.
The US DoD is working on military options that could be activated to beef up US military presence eastern Europe as a deterrence if Russian invades Ukraine. This could include “movement of assets and forces already in Europe and also assets and forces available outside of Europe" official sources say.
Romanian NATO Deputy Secretary-General Mircea Geoana on Friday rejected Russia’s “anachronistic” demand for the Atlantic alliance to withdraw from Romania and Bulgaria, members since 2007.
Blinken said after talks with Russia's foreign minister on Friday that Moscow would face a ‘swift, severe’ response if it invades Ukraine.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces Canada is giving Ukraine a loan of $120-million dollars as it faces Russian aggressions at its border.
White House Spox Psaki says the administration has notified Congress of the US' intent to deliver Mi-17 helicopters to Ukraine.
Biden will meet this weekend with his nat'l security team while Biden's at Camp David.
The Czech Republic will deliver artillery shells with a caliber of 152 millimeters to Ukraine. Kyiv asked for them.
Russia vows 'most serious consequences' if US ignores its concerns.
US sending Russian weapons to Ukraine
RT
The Biden administration is expediting the transfer of five transport helicopters to Kiev, as Washington insists Moscow is about to “invade” Ukraine any day now. The Mi-17 helicopters were originally purchased from Russia and intended for the US-backed government in Afghanistan, before it surrendered to the Taliban last August.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki confirmed on Friday that Congress has been notified of the move, which will be conducted under the Excess Defense Articles program. The State Department said on Thursday this was the “fastest transfer ever” for the US government.
The helicopters are already in Ukraine, which was servicing them on behalf of the Pentagon and was supposed to send them to Afghanistan until the Taliban takeover disrupted those plans. Ukraine’s Defense Minister Alexey Reznikov requested them from the Pentagon in late November, along with ammunition also earmarked for the defunct Afghan army, Foreign Policy reported last month.
The US has echoed Ukraine’s claims of an impending Russian “invasion”since November, though Moscow has brushed off the accusations as “fake news” and insisted on talks with the US and NATO on security guarantees in Europe instead.
UK sends 30 elite soldiers to Ukraine amid fears of war with Russia – media
RT
A team of 30 elite British military personnel has been deployed to Ukraine to train its armed forces in the use of new anti-tank weapons, gifted by London to Ukraine, UK TV channel Sky News has reported.
According to the outlet, 30 members of the Ranger Regiment, which was formed late last year as part of the new Special Operations Brigade, landed in Kiev this week alongside 2,000 units of anti-tank missile launchers.
Britain’s donation of weapons comes as tensions remain high on the border between Russia and Ukraine. Moscow is accused of deploying 100,000 troops to the frontier, with some Western media outlets and officials suggesting a military incursion is imminent. The Kremlin has repeatedly denied plans to invade Ukraine.
With fears of war on the rise, the Ukrainian military has seen troops from Britain, Poland, the US, and Canada arrive in Kiev to offer advice.
The weapon thought to be sent by London is the MBT NLAW, a fire-and-forget anti-tank missile system produced by Britain and Sweden. The shipment came shortly after British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace told Parliament the UK would be providing a new security assistance package to Ukraine.
ReplyDeleteI will not be surprised if we are hear the shout and trumpet soon, with all of the end times signs converging this spring. Also wouldn't be surprised that after this war occurs, the head of the EU will announce his global peace treaty. Interesting the President President just took over as six month head of the EU, AND announced his plan for a digital tax on the EU member states.
Wow! While Russia amasses over 100,000 troops with tanks, rocket launchers, etc., the Uk provides 30 troops, the U.S.5 helicopters...the rest of NATO will provide a hardy handshake and a pat on the back...at a latter date...LOL
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts exactly!!! What a great help they were with their 30 extra men and a few choppers
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