Ukraine receives Harpoon missiles and howitzers, says defence minister

Ukraine received Harpoon antiship missiles from Denmark and self propelled howitzers made in the United States. This was according to Oleksiy Reznikov, Ukraine's defence minister (pictured). The arms will be used to support forces against the Russian invasion.

Reznikov posted on his Facebook page that "the coastal defense of our country won't only be strengthened by Harpoon Missiles - they are going to be used by trained Ukrainian forces".

He stated that Harpoon shore to-ship missiles will be used alongside Ukrainian Neptune missiles for the defense of the country's coastline, including Odessa.

Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 24th. It imposed a naval blockade on Ukrainian ports to prevent vital grain exports.

It also used its Black Sea Fleet to launch missile strikes against Ukraine. Since then, it has started to receive Western military aid.

Reznikov stated that Harpoon missiles supplies were the result cooperation between many countries and that deliveries from Denmark were made "with the participation our British friends".

U.S. Defense secretary Lloyd Austin stated Monday that Denmark would supply a harpoon launcher as well as missiles to Ukraine.

Reznikov stated that Ukraine has also received a variety of heavy artillery pieces including modified U.S. M109 self-propelled howitzers. This will enable the Ukrainian military to strike targets at greater distances.

A senior U.S. defense official stated last month that U.S. military has begun training some Ukrainian troops in howitzer artillery use.

Ukraine stated that it would like to receive U.S.-made M270 multi-rocket rocket launchers (MLRS), and use them for repelling Russian troops in its east.

Harpoon, an anti-ship missile with all-weather capabilities, is able to fly just above the surface of the water in order to avoid defences. It can be launched from aircraft, ships, or coastal batteries.

Russia claims its forces are conducting a special operation in Ukraine to demilitarize it and expel radical anti-Russian nationalists. That is a false pretext for Ukraine and its allies to invade Ukraine on 24 February.