The US will rush more precision-guided rockets and additional ammunition to Ukraine to help resupply what officials have described as Kyiv’s dangerously low artillery stockpile.
The additional medium-range rockets — known as GMLRS and pronounced “Gimmlers” — are for the truck-mounted multiple-rocket launchers known as HIMARS that the US already provided and which have, over the past year, proved crucial in bolstering Ukraine’s momentum in the war.
The rockets are part of what US officials described as an estimated $400 million package set to be announced on Friday as President Joe Biden hosts a short visit by Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, bringing the total value of American military aid to Ukraine to more than $32 billion since February 2022.
The package expected to be unveiled on Friday also includes more ammunition for the 109 Bradley Fighting Vehicles that the US pledged to Ukraine in January and began arriving in Ukraine last month, along with howitzer rounds, demolition munitions for obstacle clearance, spare parts and field equipment.
Nato leaders have long warned of a looming artillery shortage for Ukraine as its troops burn through thousands of shells each day in trying to push back Russian forces. That has been particularly clear in the months-long battle for Bakhmut, eastern Ukraine.
It was not clear if the new tranche of American ammunition would arrive in time to defend Bakhmut, if that is where commanders decide it should be sent.
