The US Department of Defense said it was “aware and aware” of Ukraine’s request for multi-launch missile systems, but that “decisions … have not yet been made.”
“Our goal from the beginning has been to help them in the struggle they are in today,” outgoing Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said at a briefing with reporters.
“I won’t go so far as to say it’s too late to equip the Ukrainians with systems or capabilities that they may need because they are very active in combat and pushed back the Russians near Kharkiv,” Kirby said .
However, Kirby said the Department of Defense “is watching the clock” when it comes to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“We’re always mindful, like we have been from the start, mindful of the clock here, aware of this sense of urgency, aware that time is not our friend,” Kirby said, “which is why we continue to literally move equipment every day.” for the last 90 plus days of this war.”
CNN reported Thursday that the Biden administration is preparing to send MLRS systems to Ukraine as part of a larger package of military and security aid that could be announced as early as next week. The MLRS and its lighter version, the HIMARS, can fire up to 300 kilometers (186 miles) depending on the type of ammunition.