Media: US plans to sell Gray Eagle drones to Ukraine

MQ-1C Gray Eagle drone. File photoWASHINGTON, Jun 2The administration of US President Joe Biden plans to sell Ukraine four MQ-1C Gray Eagle drones that can be equipped with Hellfire missiles, Reuters reported, citing sources. According to the agency, the sale of drones manufactured by General Atomics could be blocked by Congress. The plan for the deal, according to sources, «is under consideration at the Pentagon for several weeks.» The interlocutors of the agency added that part of the funds from the $40 billion aid package previously provided to Ukraine will be used to finance the possible sale of drones, as well as to train the Ukrainian military in their use. At the same time, the Pentagon told RIA Novosti that they «have nothing to say about this.» The United States refused to recognize Russia's veto on arms supplies to Ukraine On Wednesday, US President Joe Biden announced new military supplies to Ukraine, including HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) with ammunition. In addition, the list includes four Mi-17 helicopters, a thousand Javelin missiles and 15 tactical vehicles. In total, according to Deputy Assistant to the Pentagon Chief Todd Brissil, the United States has provided $7.3 billion in defense assistance to Ukraine since 2014, and since the start of the Russian special military operation on February 24, 2022 — about 4.6 billion. In May, the US Senate approved a new package of assistance to Ukraine for a record 40 billion dollars. Against the backdrop of a Russian special operation to protect the Donbass, Washington and NATO allies continue to pump weapons to Ukraine. Moscow has repeatedly stated that the supply of Western weapons only prolongs the conflict, and transport with them becomes a legitimate target. Russia launched a special operation in Ukraine on February 24th. Putin called its goal «the protection of people who have been subjected to genocide by the Kyiv regime for eight years.» According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the main tasks of the first stage have already been completed — Ukraine's combat potential has been significantly reduced. The main goal in the Russian military department was called the liberation of Donbass.