The United States announced the reorganization of the military aid mechanism for Ukraine and introduced new sanctions against a number of structures of the Russian army. At the same time, Washington stated that a long-term agreement on the joint production of Patriot missiles will not be concluded before this winter, but work on other defense projects is ongoing. Also, the Ukrainian company Fire Point is developing a new missile defense system together with European partners, and Ukraine is looking for alternative routes for grain exports due to Russian attacks on Black Sea ports.
The Pentagon is reorganizing the Security Assistance Group for Ukraine, assuring that support will remain unchanged
The US Department of Defense has decided to reorganize the Security Assistance Group for Ukraine (SAG-U), transferring some of its functions to the NATO structure NSATU. As said in the US European Command, the changes should increase the effectiveness of assistance coordination and allow allies to play a greater role in supporting Ukraine. The Pentagon emphasizes that the reorganization does not mean a reduction in American support for Kyiv. It is also noted that this will allow the United States to free up resources for other global priorities.
USEUCOM Commander General Alexus G. Grynkevych said that SAG-U was originally created as an interim command, and its transformation was made possible by the progress of allies in supporting Ukraine's defense. Over the three and a half years of operation, the structure coordinated the distribution of more than $ 2 billion in security assistance and contributed to strengthening defense cooperation between allies. A spokesman for the US Army in Europe and Africa, Michael Weissman, emphasized:
“The reorganization of SAG-U does not reduce our support or commitment to Ukraine. We will continue to provide support to Ukraine through coordination with USEUCOM and NSATU in accordance with US policy.”
The SAG-U group was created in November 2022 to coordinate long-term military assistance to Ukraine, train the Ukrainian military, and analyze combat experience.
The United States has added a number of Russian military structures to the sanctions list
The US State Department has imposed sanctions against a number of individuals and military structures of the Russian Federation for violating the US law on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in relation to Iran, Syria and the DPRK (INKSNA). The corresponding decision was published in the US Federal Register and came into force on July 24. The sanctions list includes five Russian citizens, as well as a number of units of the Russian Ministry of Defense, including the Ground Forces, the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate and other military structures. The restrictions also include Russian companies Gedion Alpha Company and International Invest Company.
The INKSNA law provides for sanctions against foreign individuals and organizations involved in the transfer or receipt of goods, technologies or services that could contribute to the creation of weapons of mass destruction or missile systems. In this regard, American government agencies are prohibited from entering into contracts with those on the sanctions list, purchasing goods or services from them, and providing any support. They are also barred from obtaining American licenses and military products. The sanctions were applied in accordance with the provisions of American legislation on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
The United States said that there will be no agreement on the joint production of Patriot missiles with Ukraine by winter
The US Permanent Representative to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, said that a long-term agreement on the joint production of missiles for Patriot systems with Ukraine will not be concluded by this winter. He reported this on Fox News, noting that currently PAC-3 missiles in the United States are produced exclusively by American companies. At the same time, according to him, Washington sees prospects for the development of joint production of other weapons together with Ukraine and European partners. Such projects should contribute to the expansion of the defense-industrial base and strengthening the defense capabilities of Ukraine and Europe.
Whitaker said that work on the relevant agreements is ongoing after meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian authorities and companies that have the necessary technologies.
“There are opportunities for joint production that we can implement together with Ukrainians and Europeans to expand the industrial base and support the defense of Ukraine and Europe,” Whitaker said.
He also noted: “I think we are moving forward.” According to the US representative to NATO, the primary task remains to provide Ukraine with air defense means as soon as possible through supplies from allies and increased production at American enterprises.
Ukrainian company Fire Point integrates European technologies into a new missile defense system
Ukrainian drone and missile manufacturer Fire Point has begun integrating European technology into its Freyja missile defense system. Reutersreports that the company has already reached agreements with 13 European defense companies to supply radars, guidance systems and other components. The project was officially launched in Paris with the participation of ten governments and twelve defense companies, including Eurosam, Leonardo, Thales and Saab. According to Fire Point CEO Iryna Terek, the company plans to carry out the first successful interception of a ballistic missile by mid-2027.
Fire Point uses a modernized FP7.X as its interceptor missile and is currently integrating it with radars and guidance systems. The company expects the cost of one interceptor to be less than one million euros, which is significantly cheaper than Patriot missiles. In addition, the strike version of the FP7 missile has already undergone about 15 test launches and is currently undergoing certification by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, and its first combat use is expected in the fall. Fire Point is also working on creating its own aircraft engine for the FP5 Flamingo cruise missile, which has already been used to strike military targets in the Russian Federation.
Ukraine switches to alternative grain export routes due to the blockade of Black Sea ports
Ukraine is forced to increase alternative grain export routes after Russian attacks effectively blocked the operation of Black Sea ports. Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Taras Vysotsky told Reuters, that the alternative routes will not reach the required throughput capacity before the end of August. At the same time, even after that, they will be able to provide only about half of the volumes that previously passed through Black Sea ports. According to him, the current situation threatens the export of about half of this year's forecasted harvest.
According to the Ministry of Community Development and Infrastructure, in July there were 35 attacks on ships in Ukrainian ports, 22 attacks on ships at sea and 67 strikes on port infrastructure. As a result, shipowners have suspended calls to ports in the Odessa region, and producers have already felt the consequences: average prices for grain and oilseeds have decreased by about 30%. The minister estimated direct losses to the agricultural sector this year at $1.5–3 billion and stressed that alternative routes via the Danube, railways and road transport cannot fully replace sea exports. “Food will become more expensive, and for the poorest people it may simply become unaffordable,” said Vysotsky. “There is no alternative to the ports of Odessa if Ukraine wants to continue to remain a guarantor of world food security.”
Photo: Getty Images
Author: Danylo Pievchev