What $61bn US aid boost could mean for Ukraine - BBC News

After weeks of Russian advances, there are three areas where Ukraine could now strengthen its defences.

13 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsWar in UkraineImage source, Getty ImagesBy Chris Partridge BBC News weapons analystA $61bn package of military aid for Ukraine has been passed by the US Senate and is headed to President Joe Biden's desk to be signed into law. So what weapons might Ukraine receive and what difference could they make in trying to stem Russian advances?

The most pressing weaponry needed by Ukraine falls into three categories: air defence systems, mid to long-range missiles and artillery shells. Here is where the US aid could go in these areas.

Repelling the Russian threat from the skies is vital for the protection of cities and critical infrastructure such as energy plants.

Last week Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country had been attacked by almost 1,200 Russian missiles, more than 1,500 drones and 8,500 guided bombs this year alone.

Ukraine has a variety of western-supplied systems ranging from shoulder-launched Stinger short range missiles all the way up to the advanced - and extremely expensive - Patriot system. Zelensky said at least seven more Patriots, or their equivalent, were needed.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68872783

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