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The Ukrainian army will soon be replenished with Russian-made Mi-17 helicopters, the supply of rotary-wing aircraft to Kiev was organized by the United States. This was stated by a senior Pentagon official.
In Washington, on Tuesday, May 10, they announced the start of sending Russian-made Mi-17 helicopters to Ukraine, previously purchased by the Americans for the Afghan army, but because of the hasty flight from Afghanistan, they did not get there. According to a Pentagon spokesman, a shipment of 11 vehicles has begun, and the first helicopter crossed the Ukrainian border on May 10.
It is emphasized that this is the second batch of Mi-17 helicopters delivered to Kiev, the first included five rotorcraft. Only when they were sent to Ukraine there is no information. Apparently, the Americans prefer not to spread much about the supply of such equipment. After the United States announced the delivery of the Mi-17 to Ukraine, Russia protested that such a deal was illegal. In the USA, the protest was ignored, but the transfer of cars was decided to be carried out without too much fanfare.
Considering that Kiev has already received 5 helicopters, and the second batch includes 11 vehicles, in total, the AFU Air Force will be replenished with 16 new Mi-17V5 helicopters, this is the modification the US purchased for Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, Washington confirmed that it is more profitable for the United States to support Ukraine with arms supplies and consultations at negotiations than to conduct a dialogue with Russia. According to White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki, this is "more constructive" from the point of view of the current administration led by Biden.
