INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Ukraine has depleted its stocks of Soviet and Russian-designed weaponry and is now completely dependent on allies for arms to defend against
equipment, small arms, tanks, howitzers and other weapons not interchangeable with those of neighbors to the west.More than three months
into the conflict sparked when Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb
24, that equipment has been used up or destroyed in battle, the U.S
in the war, the West was cautious about supplying much to Kyiv, worried that doing so risked bringing about a NATO v
Russia conflict.They also feared their advanced weapons technology would fall into Russia's hands.Instead, Ukraine's allies offered up their
own stockpiles of Russian-standard equipment, including tanks and helicopters, to bolster Kyiv's troops.The United States also led an effort
to comb through other ex-Soviet countries for ammunition, parts and additional supplies that would match Ukraine's needs.But that all has
official said of the Soviet and Russian-standard arms.That means Ukrainian forces are having to switch to often unfamiliar arms built to
Western specifications.Shedding former worries over the conflict expanding or Russia obtaining sensitive technology, the United States and
precision than what the Russians have.Under the umbrella of the 40-member Contact Group for Ukraine, allied defense chiefs are coordinating
their assistance so that Kyiv's forces receive a continuous stream of ammunition, spare parts and weaponry, said another U.S
military official.But officials emphasized that if the arms appear to be arriving slowly, it is mainly because the allies want to be sure
inside Ukraine.The United States is therefore sending its arms in stages.The latest $700 million package announced on June 1 includes four
Himars artillery systems, 1,000 Javelin anti-tank missiles and four Soviet-standard Mi-17 helicopters.It also includes 15,000 howitzer
shells, 15 light armored vehicles and other ammunition."We try to keep a steady flow," the second U.S
official said.Push for longer-range armsKyiv has asked repeatedly for the longer-range Himars precision missile systems, but Washington only
agreed when it felt Ukraine was ready.Joint Chiefs Chairman General Mark Milley said Wednesday that while four of the Himars systems were
being prepared for Ukraine, training was focused on building one platoon at a time to operate them, a process of several weeks that could
slow their delivery.Himars is a "very sophisticated long-range system," Milley told reporters
have a very, very good effect on the battlefield," Milley said.But, according to a U.S
official, the United States is not willing to send Ukraine its Grey Eagle tactical drones out of fear they could be used to strike deep
inside Russia, a move that could risk pulling Washington into direct conflict with Moscow.
