US officials are asking the war-torn nation to clearly outline its combat objectives for requesting expanded use of US-supplied long-range missiles.

Ukraine has stated that it plans to use the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), which has a range of 300 kilometers (186 miles), to strike Russian airfields, command centers, and weapons depots deep in enemy territory.

President Joe Biden’s administration currently allows Kyiv to use the weapon only for strikes within Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine.

US officials remain skeptical that lifting the restrictions would have a significant impact on the war, noting that it may also come with greater risks.

Growing Pressure

The US has been facing increasing pressure from NATO allies to allow Kyiv greater freedom to hit targets inside Russia to level the battlefield.

Moscow’s forces have been using long-range aircraft, missiles, and drones to attack Ukraine, quickly gaining the upper hand in the ongoing war.

Washington has expressed concerns that doing so would further escalate the war and allow Russia to reverse-engineer some of America’s most sophisticated weapons.

It has also argued that the Ukrainian military is already using long-range drones to strike deep into Russia, which is a cheaper and more strategic method than firing costly missiles.

Additionally, the White House downplayed the capabilities of its ATACMS, stating they would be ineffective now because Moscow has likely moved its most immediate threats to facilities beyond the missile’s range.

“I don’t believe one capability is going to be decisive, and I stand by that comment,” US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin affirmed.

Russian Warning

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that any strikes using Western weapons deep inside its territory will lead to a significant change in the nature of the conflict.

He said such a move would be viewed as an escalation of the war, making the US and its NATO allies directly involved.

“And if this is so, then, bearing in mind the change in the very essence of this conflict, we will make appropriate decisions based on the threats that will be created for us,” Putin told reporters.

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In an interview with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria, the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine explained that army units are struggling to fend off devastating Russian attacks due to being under-equipped.

He emphasized that Kyiv needs at least 14 fully-equipped brigades “to be ready,” but recent military aid packages were not enough to sufficiently arm even a third of that.

“We need to equip 14 brigades — we still don’t have it. Out of this package, we have not even equipped four brigades… Therefore, we need to produce drones domestically. It’s not enough, but we have done it,” Zelensky stated.

Ukraine is continuing its surprise incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, but reports suggest Moscow is preparing to mount a counter-offensive.

‘We Used All We Could’

Zelensky noted that an eight-month hiatus in US military aid had significantly depleted Ukraine’s weapons reserves.

He was referring to a $61-billion supplemental aid bill for Kyiv that had been stalled in the US Congress until April 2024.

The president explained that the Ukrainian Armed Forces “had used everything they had” to defend themselves from Russian assaults.

“We transferred everything that was in the stockpiles – in warehouses and in reserve brigades,” he said. “We took everything [we] had – all [our] weapons.”

‘Make Ukraine Strong’

Zelensky argued that the number of brigades protecting Ukraine’s territories is irrelevant if “half of them are not equipped.”

He pointed out that Kyiv’s forces lack armored vehicles and artillery shells, with the Russians firing 12 times more rounds than Ukrainian troops.

He also challenged Western nations to make Ukraine strong to see Russian President Vladimir Putin “sit down and negotiate.”

The post Zelensky Says Western Aid ‘Can’t Even Equip 4 of 14’ Ukrainian Brigades appeared first on The Defense Post.

According to two European diplomats who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, Kyiv initially requested that Washington allow the use of its ATACMS, or Army Tactical Missile System, to strike Russian airfields housing glide bomb-carrying warplanes.

However, US National Security Advisor John Kirby argued that the requested targets are well beyond the missile’s effective range, which is only 300 kilometers (186 miles).

“We’ve done the math on this — 90% of them (Russian airfields) lie outside 300 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, deep inside Russia,” he noted.

As a result, the sources said Kyiv revised its target list to focus on Russian military command centers, fuel and weapons depots, and troop concentrations, hoping to persuade the US to permit strikes deeper into enemy territory.

‘Working That Out’

While Kirby already indicated there will be no change in US policy regarding the weapons it supplied to Ukraine, President Joe Biden has hinted at the possibility of authorizing it amid Moscow’s increasing aggression.

He told reporters last week, “We’re working that out right now,” after his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky repeatedly called for the restrictions to be lifted.

Biden also recently met with newly installed UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss the matter, signaling openness to consider Kyiv’s persistent request.

Meanwhile, some US officials are skeptical about the impact of granting Ukraine greater freedom to use Western weapons.

They argued that Moscow has likely moved its most immediate threats to facilities beyond the range of US-supplied missiles.

Additionally, they noted that Kyiv already uses kamikaze drones for deep strikes into Russia, which are significantly cheaper than the ATACMS or other long-range weapons.

The post Ukraine Revises ATACMS Target List After US Downplays Capability appeared first on The Defense Post.

A comprehensive investigation into the UK’s military support for Kyiv found that the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) prioritized transferring items that were due to be scrapped or replaced.

For example, in March 2022, the MoD shipped more than 17,000 pairs of unused military boots that were nearly slated for disposal.

“Had the MoD been unable to sell this surplus stock, it would have been sent to landfill,” the report noted. “In some cases, donating supplies has reduced waste or costs relating to disposal.”

Despite transferring obsolete items, the NAO reported that the MoD believed these supplies still had immediate military value for the Ukrainian forces.

$225M From Stockpiles

As of March 2024, the UK had donated 171.5 million pounds ($225 million) in military equipment coming from its stockpiles.

Though not specified, the items were reportedly valuable military assets that would help Kyiv’s forces survive on the frontline.

However, in mid-2023, Britain sharply reduced its donations from stockpiles due to “unacceptable risks” to the UK’s military readiness.

The NAO has already found that the British Army’s ongoing training of Ukrainian troops has affected its capacity to train its own soldiers.

A quarter of the army’s training facilities are reportedly being utilized by Ukrainian military recruits, resulting in reduced access for some British soldiers.

“As the MoD plans its future support, it must continue to balance the UK’s strategic interests with maintaining the UK’s own military capabilities,” NAO head Gareth Davies said.

The post UK Flooded Ukraine With Obsolete Military Gear: Report appeared first on The Defense Post.

Named DOT-Chain, the digital system simplifies the entire logistics process, reducing delivery time from the usual two months to just 15 days.

It enables military units to digitize requests, sales invoices, and other essential logistical procedures.

“Our task was to change the old system so that non-lethal support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine would be more effective,” State Logistics Operator adviser Alona Zhuzha said.

Currently, the DOT-Chain handles only food and clothing supplies. Zhuzha noted that the team plans to enhance the system to include additional categories of goods.

‘A Few Clicks in the System’

The traditional process of supplying non-lethal materials to the frontline involves manually processing hundreds of documents for approval.

However, with the DOT-Chain, bureaucratic paperwork will be significantly reduced, as the process can now be completed with just “a few clicks” in the system.

Expenditure invoices will also be instantly accessible in the system, enabling the military to make payments and initiate shipping right away.

Additionally, DOT-Chain will automatically display necessary supply data, including the number of requests and the quantities of goods accepted or rejected by military units.

“Digitizing procurement processes in defense is a strategic step toward improving the efficiency of supplying everything needed by the Armed Forces,” Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said. “Creating an effective supply management system for the army has been a priority for our team.”

Focusing on Logistics

In addition to deterrence, the Ukrainian military is placing significant emphasis on effectively supplying its troops with materials necessary to survive the war.

In 2022, Rheinmetall sent 26 logistics trucks for transporting weapons and equipment through mine-laden routes. However, the vehicles are too large for covert operations, prompting Ukraine to explore robotic platforms for cargo and medical transport.

The Ukrainian military has also deployed cargo drones donated by the UK, capable of delivering up to 180 kilograms (397 pounds) of equipment to frontline troops.

The post Ukraine Launches New System That Expedites Military Supplies Fourfold appeared first on The Defense Post.

Dubbed the “Dragon Drone,” the low-flying UAS disperses a mixture of aluminum powder and iron oxide, which burns at an intense 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit (2,200 degrees Celsius).

The mixture can easily burn through almost anything, including trees and vegetation that typically provide cover to Russian troops.

This capability enables Ukrainian troops to expose enemy positions and neutralize them more effectively.

A video shared by the Ukrainian defense ministry shows the drone releasing hot thermite onto wooded terrain, creating a fiery effect that mimics dragon’s breath.

“Strike drones are our wings of vengeance, bringing fire straight from the sky!” Kyiv’s 60th Mechanized Brigade wrote on X. “They become a real threat to the enemy, burning his positions with an accuracy that no other weapon can achieve.”

A "dragon drone" in the Kharkiv direction.

: 42nd Mechanized Brigade pic.twitter.com/4M1qAJdx3o

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) September 4, 2024

‘More Psychological Than Physical’

Former British Army officer and current defense analyst Nicholas Drummond noted that while the drone is “quite innovative,” its primary impact may be more psychological than physical.

With its promising capabilities, the platform can create fear among Russian soldiers who rely on bush for cover.

This approach can also give enemy forces another reason to be wary of Ukrainian drones, though Drummond believes it will still not change the course of the war.

“I understand that Ukraine only possesses a limited capacity to deliver a thermite effect, so this is a niche capability rather than a new mainstream weapon,” he told CNN. “But I would not have liked to have been on the receiving end.”

Is It Legal?

The mixture coming from the “Dragon Drone” could be considered an incendiary weapon, something used by Germany during the First World War.

Similar to napalm and white phosphorus, use of the weapon is discouraged because it can cause massive destruction and environmental damage.

The fires it produces are hard to contain and can affect the civilian population if not controlled or regulated.

Under international law, direct use of thermite on civilian targets or in populated areas is prohibited due to its severe impact on human health.

UK-based anti-war organization Action on Armed Violence said Kyiv only uses the incendiary weapon on military targets.

The post Ukraine Unveils New Drone That Fires Molten Metal, Ignites Hidden Targets appeared first on The Defense Post.

Russia’s ministry of defense said in a statement it had shot down 144 Ukrainian drones overnight – “72 UAVs over Bryansk region, 20 over Moscow region, 14 over Kursk region, 13 over Tula region,” and 25 more over five other parts of the country.

Moscow regional governor Andrey Vorobyov said in a Telegram post that a 46-year-old woman had been killed and several people wounded in the strikes.

But an earlier statement in which he reported the death of a 9-year-old child was still “not confirmed,” he added.

As a result of the attack, four airports servicing Moscow – including major hubs Domodedovo and Sheremetyevo – had canceled or delayed flights on Tuesday morning, according to state media.

In Bryansk, which borders Ukraine, “the enemy carried out a massive terrorist attack,” regional Governor Aleksandr Bogomaz said on Telegram, adding “there were no casualties or damage, all attacks were repelled.”

Ukraine and Russia routinely carry out nighttime drone attacks on each other’s territory.

Advances in East

The latest wave of drones came as Moscow continued to claim incremental gains in Ukraine’s east more than 30 months into its offensive, and as Kyiv’s forces pressed their incursion into Russia’s region of Kursk.

Russia on Monday said its forces had captured another Ukrainian village, Memryk, seen as a stepping stone to the Kyiv-held logistics hub of Pokrovsk some 20 kilometers (12 miles) away.

Pokrovsk lies on the intersection of a key road that supplies Ukrainian troops and towns across the eastern front and has long been a target for Moscow’s army.

Kyiv had launched its Kursk offensive on August 6 aiming to force Russia to redeploy troops pressing forward in the east, but Moscow has appeared to intensify its attacks there.

Moscow has also kept up its own aerial attacks on Ukraine in recent weeks, including on key energy infrastructure ahead of winter.

Three Russian drones were shot down above Ukraine’s Sumy overnight, the regional military administration said early Tuesday, while air defenses were also activated around Kyiv.

The military administration in the capital later said there were “no consequences after the Russian UAV attack.”

United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk condemned Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy facilities on Monday.

Ukraine’s population was enduring “ongoing attacks by the Russian Federation striking civilian facilities like hospitals, schools, and supermarkets, and repeated waves of targeting of energy infrastructure,” Turk told the UN Human Rights Council.

“I fear for Ukrainians this coming winter,” he said.

The post Ukrainian Drone Wave Grounds Flights, Kills One Near Moscow appeared first on The Defense Post.

During the so-called “Test Week,” Ukrainian volunteers undergo seven days of intense military training with mock weapons on an improvised battlefield.

They also engage in simulated battlefield conditions, including continuous explosions represented by firecrackers that go off every few minutes.

While under a simulated attack, civilians learn how to move and regroup effectively, as well as evacuate casualties.

They are also taught how to properly use their weapons and battlefield medicine.

“We give them assessment according to physical training, knowledge of theory, medicine [and drones]. Also, we evaluate their leadership abilities, teamwork, and analytical mindset,” instructor Maksym Levchenko said.

Program Success

Some of the participants in the Test Week are 18 to 24 years old, preparing for mandatory conscription at the age of 25.

Twenty-year-old Oleksii Sichkar said he joined the program over fear that the invading forces might reach his hometown and Kyiv may not have enough soldiers to defend it.

“We’re not sure that hostilities won’t come to our area,” he said.

So far, over 400 people have reportedly participated in the initiative, with one in five choosing to enlist in the military afterward.

Sichkar is one of those who decided to enlist, and he chose to become a part of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade.

“I’m doing this for my family, to protect my mother and sister. I love them more than anything in the world,” he expressed.

Low Morale

The initiative to train civilians comes amid reports of declining troop morale and high desertion rates in Ukraine.

Russian state media claims that more than 37,000 Ukrainian soldiers have abandoned their posts as the war stretches beyond two years.

Though the number is unverified, battalion commander “Dima” told CNN that many soldiers are indeed demoralized, causing them to leave the army.

“Not all mobilized soldiers are leaving their positions, but the majority are. When new guys come here, they see how difficult it is… They go to the positions once and if they survive, they never return,” he said.

The post Ukraine Trains Civilians to Fight War as Soldiers Struggle With Low Morale appeared first on The Defense Post.

White House National Security Advisor John Kirby said that the ATACMS, or Army Tactical Missile System, is ineffective against Russian warplanes used for long-range strikes in Ukraine.

He explained that the aircraft are stationed deep within enemy territory, beyond the range of the long-range weapon, which has a maximum reach of 300 kilometers (186 miles).

“We’ve done the math on this — 90% of them lie outside 300 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, deep inside Russia,” Kirby said.

“So, the argument that somehow, if you just give [Ukrainians] an ATACMS and tell them ‘It’s okay’ [to strike deep] that they’re going to be able to go in and hit the majority of the Russian aircraft … is not true; it’s a misconception.”

No Change in Policy

While some of Kyiv’s allies have lifted restrictions on their donated weapons, the US remains firm in its decision that its transferred armaments can only be used for Ukraine’s defense.

In May, President Joe Biden temporarily eased the policy, but only for strikes on Russian-controlled Ukrainian territories.

Kirby said that while the US is committed to helping Ukraine win the war, it will continue its policy to prevent further escalation of the conflict.

“Nothing’s changed about our view that Ukraine should be able to use the tools it has available to defend itself, and that’s why air defense continues to be a prominent issue in these security packages that we’re giving,” he noted.

Despite Washington’s stance, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said he will continue to press the US to allow Kyiv’s forces to target military assets deep within Russian territory.

The post ATACMS Ineffective Against Aircraft Stationed Deep in Russia: US appeared first on The Defense Post.

Dubbed the Army+ app, it frees the armed forces from the usual paper-based bureaucracy and allows soldiers to access services and benefits easily.

For example, a soldier can use the app to file up to 11 types of reports instead of submitting them on paper, which can often be a tedious and time-consuming process.

It also allows users to request emergency leave, medical treatment, and financial assistance.

Although the Army+ app currently offers limited functions, Kyiv plans to expand it to cover other essential services and include all of the nearly 200 reports used in military service.

‘At the Forefront of Innovation’

The creation of Army+ follows the success of the Diia mobile app that Ukrainian citizens have been using to easily access public services.

Like Diia, the military app aims to become the first-ever unified armed forces database in Ukraine, which would ensure safe and smooth digital interaction among soldiers, army commanders, and the state.

It would also put Kyiv at the forefront of military innovation, as the US and other NATO member states have been using similar systems.

“We are transforming the Ukrainian military into the army of the future,” said Kateryna Chernohorenko, Ukraine’s deputy defense minister for digital transformation.

With the launch of the Army+ app, Ukraine stands as the only country to develop and implement such a digital system while fighting an existential war.

Biggest Challenges

Chernohorenko claimed that the app’s adoption rate among the military is “incredibly high,” with over 150,000 Ukrainian soldiers already signed up.

Despite this, she noted that broader implementation remains a major challenge due to soldiers’ distrust of government reforms.

Some troops are also doubtful about the new app making a real difference in how Kyiv manages its armed forces.

Accessing the app can also be challenging for soldiers deployed on the frontline, where internet connectivity is unstable.

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