US, Germany to provide missile systems; US to unveil $700 million arms package: Live Ukraine updates – USA TODAY

Germany on Wednesday said it would send anti-aircraft missiles and radar systems to Ukraine and the U.S. was poised to unveil details of its own security package as Ukraine struggled to fend off a ferocious Russian offensive.

Russian troops in recent days have seized most of the eastern city of Sievierodonetsk, one of the last major cities under Ukrainian control in the Luhansk region. The city has been pummeled by artillery for weeks as Moscow uses its superior firepower to gain the upper hand in the crucial Donbas.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told lawmakers that the IRIS-T SLM missiles it will send are “the most modern air defense system that Germany has.” They will enable Ukraine to defend an entire city from Russian air attacks,” he said. Germany will also supply Ukraine with radar systems to help locate enemy artillery.

The U.S. will reveal details of a $700 million security package to include High Mobility Rocket Systems (HIMARS). U.S. officials said Ukraine has assured the United States the rockets would only be used to repel Russian forces in Ukraine and not to attack Russian territory.

Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said the Kremlin does not believe the Ukrainian pledge. He accused the United States of deliberately “adding fuel to the fire” and said missiles won’t encourage Kiev to resume peace talks.

Latest developments:

►Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said his country will serve as an “economic hub” for neighboring Ukraine, helping it export grain and other products while Russia blocks Ukraine’s export routes.

►Portugal has sent 146 Marines to join a NATO force stationed in Lithuania as part of efforts to bolster the alliance’s eastern flank. The deployment includes divers specializing in deactivating mines and other explosive devices.

►Polling stations are open in Denmark for voters to decide whether to abandon their country’s 30-year-old opt-out from the European Union’s common defense policy. This month Sweden and Finland announced historic bids to join NATO.

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Swiss reject Denmark’s effort to ship tanks to Ukraine

The Swiss government has rejected Denmark’s request to send 20 Piranha III infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine – for now. Swiss broadcaster SRF reported that Denmark needs Switzerland’s agreement because the tanks were built there, and Switzerland bans the export of Swiss-made weapons to conflict zones due to its neutral status.

Swiss officials previously rejected a German request to ship Swiss-made ammunition to Ukraine but will review that decision as soon as Friday. Pirmin Bisch, Swiss councilor of states, said he his country should take a more generous interpretation of the law and  “correct this practice.”  

Rail exports of Ukraine grain may not be the answer

Alternate means to export Ukraine grain would only carry one-fifth of usual total, EU says. European Union leaders are trying to find a way around the Russian blockade of Ukrainian ports that’s preventing the exportation of 22 million tons of grain, but they acknowledge alternatives to sea transportation would only carry a fraction of the product. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen the bloc is exploring getting food out by road and rail, which would transport just one-fifth of Ukraine’s usual monthly exports. 

“It is of course more tedious and expensive, but it is necessary to get this wheat out,” she said.

Russian control of Sievierodonetsk grows

A regional governor in eastern Ukraine says Russian forces control 70% of Sievierodonetsk, a focus of Moscow’s offensive. Luhansk region governor Serhiy Haidai said in a Telegram post Wednesday that some Ukrainian troops were fighting with the Russians while others had pulled back. Humanitarian cargoes cannot be delivered, but for now the local hospital has a sufficient number of medicines and other medical supplies, and the humanitarian headquarters have food supplies.

“We are fighting for every settlement of Luhansk region,” Haidai said. “We are waiting for Western weapons and preparing for deoccupation.”

Contributing: The Associated Press