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Ukraine has lost over 15 percent of the Bradley fighting vehicles that the US has provided, a US military official told The New York Times in an article published on Monday.
The article detailed how Ukraine was struggling to make gains in its counteroffensive that was launched about three weeks ago due to heavy minefields laid by Russian forces and other stiff resistance.
The report reads: “The fierce resistance has taken a toll on Ukraine’s weaponry. The United States committed 113 Bradley fighting vehicles in March. At least 17 of them — more than 15 percent — have been damaged or destroyed in the fighting so far, the official said.”
The US announced a new $325 million weapons package for Ukraine earlier this month that included 15 Bradley vehicles to replace ones that were damaged or destroyed in the first few days of the counteroffensive. Ukraine has also been losing German-made Leopard tanks and is seeking more from Berlin.
The Times report also quoted an unnamed senior Biden administration official who said Ukraine’s struggles in its counteroffensive have been “sobering” for the US. “They’re behind schedule,” the official said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said last week that the counteroffensive was going “slower than desired” but vowed his troops will fight on. “Some people believe this is a Hollywood movie and expect results now. It’s not,” he said.
While acknowledging that the counteroffensive has not gone well for Ukraine so far, US and Ukrainian officials have stressed the assault is in its initial stages and that significant advances could still be made.
Leading up to the counteroffensive, the Discord leaks and media reports revealed that the US did not expect Ukraine to regain significant territory. But the Biden administration pushed for the assault anyway and has rejected the idea of a ceasefire or peace talks.
