By: Eric Xu

The Ukraine-Russia war has been active for over a year now. The fighting has only escalated since then, and the casualties are increasing. The newest technology that the United States is sending may be able to help end the war sooner, or it may not be enough.

Ukraine and Russia have been waging war with each other for many years. A year ago, Russia began to push into Ukraine’s territory more aggressively, and it has been getting other countries’ attention. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has been helping Ukraine for the past year, and the United States has been a main contributor. Recently, Ukraine wanted new high tech long-ranged missiles from the U.S, called Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMs). “The U.S. has declined the offer…” but they have given them some other devices to help. “US sending $500 million in weapons, military aid to Ukraine.” $500 million extra dollars worth of weapons are being sent to Ukraine. ATACMs are meant to provide Ukraine with weapons that can attack Russia without having troops in their territory, but the new high-tech drones and other weapons also help achieve this goal.

Some new weapons include virtual-reality glasses that can control drones, simulators for army personnel to train for combat, and even extra aircrafts and tanks. “Some of Ukraine’s most elite special forces are now operating slightly back from the front line — with virtual-reality glasses that give a drone’s-eye view.” This is the main weapon, and it is very effective.

This allows military personnel to scout out Russia’s land without risking injury to their army. It also is important because it can be used to sabotage different devices, such as “to hit a cluster of antennas affixed to a tower in a town occupied by Russian troops.” Currently, it can only be used for scouting and self-destruction devices. If this drone is developed, it may also have the power to cause more destruction, such as adding guns to it and attaching bombs. New simulators help train the army more realistically than anything else. Without even going to the front-lines, they can already get experience from different situations. Also, extra tanks and aircrafts are helping Ukraine outgear Russia.

The amount of weapons and their uses are astounding and have already made a major impact on the war. Until Ukraine uses these weapons more, there is no way of knowing how powerful these weapons really are.

Sources:

● https://www.ewcjournal.com/post/u-s-in-no-hurry-to-provide-ukraine-with-long-range-missiles-1 (Extra information)

● https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-weapons-us-aid-4aba41fbf5511e44801d4bd56d34d6f1

● https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/08/06/ukraine-special-forces-alpha-counteroffensive/ (Includes drone used to destroy communication center)

● https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/101AF/production/_130576956_bakhmut_no_so_close_up_mapb-nc.png (Map)

○ https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60506682 (Site with image)