Ukraine forces in missile launch exercise near border with Russia

February 15, Ukraine’s Armed Forces performed military drills, firing from NLAW anti-tank missile systems and M-141 grenade launchers.

The servicemen worked out reaching the firing line and completed the initial exercise of firing NLAW anti-tank missile systems and M-141 grenade launchers at fixed targets, the press service of Joint Forces Operation reported.

On January 18, the UK began supplying Ukraine with anti-tank weapons to help it defend against a potential Russian invasion, which has amassed troops near the border with Ukraine.

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The National Academy of Land Forces named after Hetman Petro Sahaydachny began to prepare the Ukrainian military for the use of NLAW anti-tank missile systems delivered to Ukraine from the UK.

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Jan. 19, British defense secretary Ben Wallace told the U.K. had already delivered 2,000 NLAWs to Ukraine, a number he indicated might continue to rise. The missiles were London’s way of providing defensive aid to Kyiv as Russian forces deploying around Ukraine’s borders give the impression a new invasion may be imminent. The British Army also dispatched 30 paratroopers to train Ukrainian forces in operating the NLAWs, which were undoubtedly chosen in part for their ease of use, and thus ability to be rapidly adopted by Ukrainian forces facing the current crisis.

In general, West’s military assistance to Ukraine amounted to $ 1.5 billion.