In the latest aid program, the United States sent bridge-launching devices to Ukraine for the

The United States on Friday announced a new $400 million package of military assistance to Ukraine that includes, for the first time, armored vehicles capable of launching bridges, allowing troops to cross rivers or open spaces. different when Russian and Ukrainian forces were still entrenched on opposite banks of the Dnieper River. . .

The fighting has largely slowed and come to a standstill during the winter months, with Russia and Ukraine shooting at each other across the river. Both sides are expected to launch attacks as temperatures heat up.

This aid will be drawn from the existing US stockpile of weapons so that it can reach Ukraine more quickly. The United States and its allies are trying to add support to the kyiv to best position themselves for the intensification of spring fighting.

The Armored Vehicle Launch Bridge is a 60-foot (18-meter) portable collapsible metal bridge that spans the body of a tank. Providing this system now could make it easier for Ukrainian troops to cross the river to surrender to Russian forces.

As Ukraine continues to face ammunition shortages during a fierce firefight, this aid package, like the previous ones, includes thousands of cartridges of replacement ammunition, such as rockets for the artillery system. high mobility and 155 mm howitzer shells. The package also includes destructive ammunition and barricade equipment to help Ukraine break through the entrenched lines.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine a year ago, the United States has sent over $32 billion worth of weapons and equipment.

The United States is also nearly tripling the number of Ukrainian forces training advanced combat tactics at a base in Germany, to help break through entrenched Russian defenses. At the Grafenwoehr training ground, Ukrainian forces underwent a five-week training course to prepare them for advanced combined weapons exercises with Bradley fighting vehicles, M109 Paladins and armored personnel carriers. Stryker.

The first 600 Ukrainian soldiers completed the course last month and another 1,600 are being trained.

The aid will also include spare parts and equipment for vehicle maintenance and repair.

This announcement comes after a brief meeting on Thursday between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at a gathering of senior diplomats from the Group of 20 in New Delhi.This is the highest-level direct dialogue between the two countries since Russia invaded Ukraine. But there is no sign of any move to ease tensions between the two nations.

Blinken said he had told Mr. Lavrov that the United States would continue to support Ukraine as needed.

Lavrov, who did not mention talking to Blinken when holding a press conference after the meeting, told reporters that Moscow would continue to push for his actions in Ukraine. (AP) PY PY