Victorious news of the 811th day of war: long-range weapons from US this summer and 2 billion euros from EU

EU will provide EUR 50 billion to Ukraine, almost EUR 2 billion of which will be disbursed in near future

The European Union has supported the Ukrainian government's Ukraine Plan reform plan under the Ukraine Facility program, which provides for an EUR 50 billion loan to Ukraine. This was announced by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal. In the near future, Ukraine should receive 1.89 billion euros. 

Shmyhal noted that the approval of the plan will make it possible to fully launch the Ukraine Facility. 

“In total, this year, we expect to attract EUR 16 billion under the program. This will strengthen our financial stability in the face of a full-scale war with Russia. We are grateful to Belgium, which holds the presidency of the EU Council, and the EU member states for their appreciation of Ukraine's plan and unwavering support,” the head of the Ukrainian government wrote.

The Ukraine Facility is a tool that provides for the possibility of Ukraine receiving EU financial and technical assistance totaling €50 billion in 2024-2027. Of this amount, €38.27 billion will be allocated for budget support, €6.97 billion for the investment fund, and €4.76 billion for technical and administrative support.

Experts estimate what long-range weapons the US will provide to Ukraine this summer

Ukraine will be able to use new long-range weapons at the front this summer. The task of the United States and its Western allies is to prepare Kyiv for negotiations in its own interests from a position of strength. This was stated by former US Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland.

“Ukraine's needs are growing, but I think we will continue to help it - including with new and longer-range weapons that you will see at work on the frontline this summer,” Nuland was quoted as saying by Defense Express.

Military observers suggest that it could be ATACMS missiles with a range of 300 kilometers. Another option is the AGM-158 JASSM cruise missile for tactical aircraft. This missile is integrated into the F-16 and has a 450-kilogram warhead. The old version from 2003 has a range of 370 kilometers, and the newer version from 2014 has a range of 900 kilometers. 

“Of course, the list of long-range US weapons does not end there, but then there are more fantastic options. In particular, long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles for launching from ground launchers,” the article says.

Ukrainian Defense Forces destroy $25 million Russian air defense system, three artillery pieces in country's south

During the day, the Defense Forces destroyed 41 pieces of weapons and military equipment in the southern direction and eliminated 140 Russian servicemen. This was reported by Army Inform. 

“Our defenders successfully destroyed a multiple rocket launcher system, a Tor-M2 anti-aircraft missile system, three artillery pieces and a mortar. They also managed to destroy 17 units of armored vehicles, a reconnaissance UAV, two electronic warfare stations, 3 Murom-M video surveillance systems, a Starlink communication system, 6 aerial photo stations, a jet ski and three boats,” the statement said.

The defenders also destroyed an ammunition storage site, a control center for an electronic warfare unit, a UAV launch site, and two observation posts.

Tor air defense missile systems have been manufactured since the 1980s. “Tor-M2 is one of the latest modifications. The main difference is the ability to fire on the move without stopping. The cost of the system starts at $25 million.

Ukraine joins the multinational network of combat laboratories

Ukraine has joined as a guest partner in the multinational initiative - the Combined Federated Battle Laboratories Network (CFBLNet). The network's laboratories are used by system developers for testing, joint exercises and verification of developments. This was reported by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

Ukraine's participation in the initiative was sponsored by the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA), with which the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine signed a technical agreement. 

The Ministry of Defense says that participation in the network of combat laboratories will expand Ukraine's ability to test combat systems for interoperability and readiness for use in multinational operations.