Ukraine's military has revealed they are switching over to modern weapons to help defend themselves against the Russian invasion.
The commander of the Ukrainian military, General Valeriy Zaluzhny, confirmed the move over the weekend, according to UPI.
The new-look weapons will now mean Ukrainian forces will be able to fight with devices that are up to 'NATO standards'.
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The New York Times reports Gen. Zaluzhny spoke with US chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley and they consolidated on the upgraded weaponry plan.
Since the invasion commenced in late February, Ukraine has relied mainly on Soviet Union-era weapons to combat the Russian military.
However, as the country enters the second phase of the war, NATO countries are now supplying deadlier weapons to Kyiv, according to the Guardian.
But former UK Chief of Defence Intelligence Phil Osborn explained to the news outlet: “The issue will be how much the West shifts to offensive weaponry.”
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He added: “The absolute criticality of ensuring that the supply of critical military kit is maintained and increased.”
The Ukraine Defence Ministry also shared a statement revealing that Russian forces are intensifying around their borders, particularly on the Belarus-Poland line.
They wrote: "There is a threat that the enemy will launch missile strikes on military and civilian infrastructure throughout Ukraine from the territory of the Republic of Belarus, as well as provocations by the enemy on the specified section of the state border of Ukraine.”
Over the weekend, spokesman for the US State Department Ned Price said the US would continue to support Ukraine while supplying more arms.
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He said in a readout: "Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to follow up on their April 24 meeting in Kyiv.
"The Secretary emphasised the United States' robust support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia's brutal aggression."
Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Kuleba also discussed the Administration’s request to Congress for $33 billion in security, economic, and humanitarian aid to ‘empower Ukraine to defeat the Kremlin's unconscionable war’.
The meeting follows Germany also agreeing to send heavy weapons, self-propelled guns and anti-aircraft cannon tanks to the eastern European country after facing criticism for not providing military equipment soon enough.
The Guardian reports the country’s Defence Minister, Christine Lambrecht, confirmed that the German military would refurbish anti-aircraft cannon tanks, known as Cheetah or Flakpanzer Gepard and send them to Ukraine as the invasion continues to escalate.
Charisa Bossinakis