The British military commander said that Ukraine is preparing to increase raids deep into Russian territory after receiving long-range weapons from the West.
Admiral Tony Radakin, commander of the British armed forces, said on April 25 that Ukraine is facing a difficult period due to Russia’s attack. However, he said this does not reflect “long-term trends that are more favorable for Ukraine”.
According to Radakin, new advantages include new military aid packages from the US and Europe, Ukraine’s increasingly successful long-range raid campaign and Russia’s “complete failure” to prevent military exports. Cup across the Black Sea.
The US has just resumed military aid to Ukraine after nearly half a year of interruption. Over the past 6 months, the Ukrainian army has been running out of ammunition and weapons, while Russian forces have stepped up their offensive, made many advances and continuously attacked the enemy with heavy artillery, missiles and aircraft. unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
Shadow/SCALP EG missile on Ukraine’s Su-24 attack. Image: BQP Ukraine
To regain the initiative on the battlefield, Ukraine continuously asks the West to provide more high-tech long-range weapons. Ukraine has also repeatedly raided production and energy infrastructure deep within Russian territory, including oil refineries.
In March, the US secretly transferred the ATACMS missile variant with a range of 300 km to Ukraine. However, President Joe Biden still asked White House officials to ensure Ukraine does not use this missile to attack Russian territory.
Ukraine and the US disagree over the raid on Russian oil refineries
Meanwhile, Admiral Radakin expressed no concern about Ukraine’s raid campaign in Russian territory. “When Ukraine has a long-range strike capability, its ability to organize deep penetration operations will become a feature of the conflict and certainly have an effect,” he said.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on April 22 pledged more than 3.7 billion USD in aid to Ukraine. British officials also signed long-term contracts with defense companies, allowing the British Ministry of Defense to withdraw more weapons from its stockpile to transfer to Ukraine, including more than 1,600 anti-aircraft missiles and cruise missiles. Storm Shadow/SCALP EG.
Ukrainian long-range UAVs raided Russia’s Ryazan oil refinery on March 13. Image: X/Igor Shushko
After months of Western uncertainty about strategy towards Ukraine, Admiral Radakin expressed optimism that all NATO members “are talking about spending more money”. However, he admitted that “Russia can launch long-range raids on Ukraine more effectively than last year.”
Mr. Radakin rejected criticism that the West had no “miracle solution” to help Ukraine win, instead only providing enough aid to prevent them from failing. “Don’t expect anyone to publicly say this is plan A, B and C about to happen. Every element of Ukraine’s military strategy will be kept hidden,” he said.