"Not all weapons have reached the front line yet": Pentagon chief assesses effect of new aid to Ukraine

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said it is too early to assess the impact of the weapons transferred by Washington after a long pause on the battlefield in Ukraine. Not all of the allocated equipment has been delivered to the front line yet.

It will take time for the Ukrainian Defense Forces to receive "some of the allocated capabilities." The head of the Pentagon said this on Tuesday, May 8, when presenting the budget request of the Ministry of Defense for the fiscal year 2025 in the United States Senate, Voice of America reports.

According to him, when the Pentagon was waiting for funding approval, it prepared to "deliver these things as soon as possible and support Ukraine."

"We're prepositioning some critical items in anticipation of the potential for funding, such as air defense equipment and artillery ammunition," Austin said.

He emphasized that without the assistance Ukraine is receiving after Congress approved the additional funding, it would be "very difficult" for the country to defend itself against the superior strength of the aggressor country Russia's army.

According to Austin, Russia has suffered heavy losses as a result of the actions of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, but with the help of Iran and North Korea, it was able to "get back on its feet."

"We saw Russia engage North Korea, which provided a lot of ammunition and missiles. The drones provided by Iran really helped and began to turn the tide for Russia," the Pentagon chief said.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!