The “White House Guard” is now in the hands of Ukraine

Washington – agencies

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced, on Sunday, that his country has obtained an advanced air defense system “NASAMS”, which Washington uses to protect the White House, to be added by Kyiv to its military equipment, which includes “HIMARS” missile launchers, which are used in the ongoing war.

This is the first confirmation of Ukraine’s acquisition of the long-sought NASA system, which Washington agreed to provide to it late last month. “We absolutely need the United States to show leadership and give Ukraine the air defense systems,” Zelensky said in an interview. I want to thank President Joe Biden for a positive decision that has already been made.”

“But believe me, it’s not even enough to cover the civilian infrastructure, schools, hospitals, universities and Ukrainians’ homes,” he said. Zelensky also thanked Biden for handing over to his country the HIMARS missile system, and other multi-barrel rocket launchers that enable Ukraine to advance in areas occupied by Russian forces.

The anti-aircraft system “NASAMS”, which was developed by the United States in partnership with Norway, is known for providing a medium to long-range defense capability, hitting targets more than 100 miles away. The United States uses this missile system to protect the airspace around the White House and the Capitol Building.

Ukraine launched counter-attacks this month to liberate large parts of occupied territory in the northeastern province of Kharkiv. And it achieved field gains in the south of the country as well.

Russia describes its seven-month incursion into Ukraine as a “special military operation” and denies targeting civilians during it.