Ukraine received 1,550 armored vehicles and 230 tanks from NATO to form battalions and recapture territory from Russia.
Since the conflict began in February of last year, 98% of the military vehicles pledged to Ukraine have been delivered.
NATO’s Role in Aiding Its Allies
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that the alliance had provided Ukraine with “vast amounts of ammunition” and “over nine new Ukrainian brigades,” in addition to 1,550 armored vehicles, 230 tanks, and other equipment.
The new brigades are expected to consist of about 30,000 soldiers. Sweden and Australia, both NATO allies, have also contributed armored vehicles.
Stoltenberg stated that the 31 NATO members were committed to strengthening Ukraine’s military and that reclaiming territory captured by the Kremlin’s forces would strengthen Kyiv’s hand in any potential peace talks.
Russian forces have maintained their shelling of Ukrainian towns, frequently striking apartment buildings and other civilian infrastructure despite the relative stability of the battlefield in what has become an attrition war.
The Ukrainian presidential administration reported on Thursday that between Wednesday and Thursday, at least seven civilians were murdered and 33 others were injured.
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Deportation of Annexation Ukrainian Citizens
Residents of annexation Ukrainian lands who do not wish to become Russian citizens may now be deported per a directive signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. As of July 1, 2018, Russian authorities will view such citizens as foreigners who are subject to expulsion from Russian territory.
In addition to Crimea in 2014, Putin ostensibly and illegally acquired four territories of Ukraine in September of last year. The actions have been deemed illegal by many nations.
In the fiercest combat of the war, taking place in the eastern city of Bakhmut, the head of Russia’s mercenary Wagner Group has claimed repeatedly that the Russian military is withholding ammunition from his forces.
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