US aid for Ukraine lags as Russian offensive looms

Although the United States has approved an aid package for Ukraine, "The New York Times" reports that military equipment will not reach the frontline for several months. This is concerning news, given what Russia plans in the coming weeks.

At the end of April, the American Congress approved an aid package for Ukraine and other allied nations, totalling £76 billion. Around two-thirds of this sum is earmarked for delivery in various packages to Kyiv. As "The New York Times" has reported, small portions from the first package, valued at £804 million, have already arrived in Ukraine.

From the USA, Ukrainians have received, among other things, anti-tank missiles and 155 mm artillery shells. Earlier, ATACMS missiles were secretly supplied. Unfortunately, most of the equipment from the USA and other countries will take a few months to reach Ukraine.

The reason is logistics. The equipment's size means it must be shipped by sea or rail. Additionally, the Russians, being able to strike across Ukraine, can target weapons and ammunition depots. This significantly complicates and prolongs the process of delivering combat resources to the front. Furthermore, Ukrainian units need to be trained to operate the new equipment, which can sometimes take months.

"The New York Times" quotes an official who indicates most military equipment will arrive in mid-summer or later. The United States also needs to figure out how to source the promised equipment to Ukraine without significantly diminishing its own defensive capabilities.

In the meantime, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that the war with Russia is entering a new phase. He says Vladimir Putin and his army are gearing up for a powerful offensive, which could kick off in May or June.

This is also supported by analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), who, in their report from Saturday (May 4), stated that according to Ukrainian sources, the Russians plan to launch an attack aimed at the complete capture of the Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts.

Currently, Russian forces are pushing into Chasiv Yar. They have reached the outskirts of the city, where intense fighting is underway. Chasiv Yar is often described as the key to taking control of the entire Donetsk Oblast.