Russia’s army is weaker today than it was 11 months ago, but still dangerous - White House

White House National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby said this at a briefing in Washington, Ukrinform reports.

“There’s no question that Russia’s military is weaker today than it was 11 months ago,” he said.

He reminded that the Russians lost a huge number of people and resources, including thousands of missiles and drones that they launched on Ukrainian territory.

However, according to Kirby, the Russian forces, together with their weapons, although outdated, retain the ability to launch dangerous strikes that kill many Ukrainians every day.

“That’s why we’re so focused on making sure that Ukraine can continue to defend itself and to have the capabilities to fight back and to succeed on the battlefield,” the White House representative emphasized

He also noted that the United States maintains a large military presence in European countries to protect the European security model if Russia decides to go further.

“The security environment in Europe has changed because of what Mr. Putin did. And the United States anted up for that and made clear to our NATO Allies, particularly on the eastern flank, how seriously we take our responsibilities to those Article 5 commitments (NATO Charter, - ed.). And Mr. Putin needs to understand that,” John Kirby concluded. 

• US President Joe Biden announced a new large-scale defense assistance package to Ukraine, which will include 31 Abrams tanks and related equipment and weapons worth USD 400 million.