The US was allegedly transferring expertise and intelligence support to Ukraine so they could utilise the “fire god” HIMARS to attack Russian sites there, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, claimed during a press conference on July 14 that “the Ukrainian side has not stopped heavily attacking the territory of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) and the Lugansk People’s Republic (LPR).” According to Zakharova, Ukrainian forces frequently carry out similar raids using the HIMARS multiple launch rocket system that was supplied by the US.
According to a ministry spokesman, “They carried out the bombardment with direct backing from the US side, not only with the necessary intelligence, but also discreetly provided experts to help the Ukrainian forces strike the proper target.” said a Russian ambassador.
Zakharova claimed that Ukraine was practically daily shelling “civilian targets” in the Donetsk, Lugansk, and Kherson districts. “The US has spent almost $2.7 billion for that reason,” she claimed. The information provided by the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman regarding the employment of the “fire god” HIMARS has not been addressed by either Ukraine or the United States.
In the city of Nova Kakhovka, which is currently under Russian control, the Ukrainian army launched an attack on July 11 that resulted in a massive explosion. Images of Russian ammo dumps being targeted and bursting have been released by international media.
an advisor to the president of Ukraine
The headquarters of the Russian soldiers at Chornobaivka airport, which is on the outskirts of Novaya Kakhovka, was the goal of the Ukrainian forces, according to Oleksiy Arestovych and Volodymir Zelensky. Since Ukraine began using HIMARS rocket artillery, several independent journalists working in Ukraine believe that Russia has lost between 15 and 20 percent of their artillery armament.
Russian shelling has decreased in recent weeks as a result of the significant loss of artillery ammunition.
Moscow has made significant headway in the Donbass region because Russia is far superior to Ukraine in the east when it comes to artillery; it is estimated that Russia’s artillery intensity is 8–10 times that of the adversary. However, the introduction of the HIMARS rocket artillery can lead to some victories on the battlefield as it can neutralize the Russian artillery’s superiority.
Ukraine acquired 8 HIMARS complexes produced in the US. The US said that it would provide Ukraine with a total of 12 HIMARS complexes, the last 4 of which would be delivered soon.
On July 6, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed that its forces had destroyed two Ukrainian HIMARS complexes in the Donbass as well as two of the complex’s ammo dumps in the Donetsk region. However, Moscow did not offer any supporting documentation. The information was quickly refuted by the Ukrainian side. Oleksii Reznikov, Ukraine’s defense minister, claimed in an interview with The Wall Street Journal on July 10 that HIMARS is a weapon that alters the fight and is being employed successfully in the northeastern town of Izium.
“We have to demonstrate to them (Western Partners) and persuade them. We have precisely one command center for Russian aviation operations at Izium. Your test has been passed, our partners commented when they viewed it “Added Reznikov.
The M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MRLS) complex was used to create HIMARS, a self-propelled multiple-launch rocket launcher mounted on wheels. Three people make up each HIMARS crew. The cannon’s maximum range of 80 km, which is greater than any currently deployed Russian cannons’ maximum range of 70 km, is capable of firing six 227 mm caliber M31 projectiles.
The HIMARS rocket artillery was able to dodge the Russian artillery force’s overwhelming retaliation because of its greater range. However, using maneuvering techniques, the crew rapidly moved the HIMARS weapon away from the firing position, preventing the Russian counter-reaction radar from being able to catch up.
On smooth roads, HIMARS can maneuver at a top speed of 85 km/h. As a result, it is incredibly challenging to locate this weapon.
HIMARS is also capable of mounting an MGM-140 ATACMS tactical missile, which can reach targets 300 kilometers away in addition to high-precision guided artillery shells. Currently, the US is willing to accept supplies of this incredibly hazardous missile.
HIMARS enables Ukrainian forces to launch attacks deeper into Russian defenses from a distance that is better shielded from adversary long-range weapons. For Ukrainian forces, this is regarded as a weapon of hope since soldiers think it can enable them to achieve victory.
When the US supplies HIMARS to Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin has warned that Russia will deploy weaponry to attack previously unattacked locations. Russia has pledged to target these weapon shipments once they enter Ukrainian territory and has consistently emphasized that the West’s decision to supply weapons to Ukraine will only serve to prolong the conflict.
