Ukraine’s airforce was replenished with new aircraft and spare parts for repairing old jets, a move that is expected to boost the country’s capability to fend off Russian aggression. It is not clear who provided Kyiv with the fresh resources.

John Kirby, the spokesperson for the United States Department of Defense, could not provide many details about the new transfer but clarified that Washington DC did not supply new aircraft.

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“We certainly have helped with the trans-shipment of some additional spare parts that have helped with their aircraft needs, but we have not transported the whole aircraft”, the Pentagon spokesperson said in a media briefing.

Ukrainian airspace has not been dominated by either party so far, an unusual situation for a conflict that is nearly two months old. While Russia’s airforce has a scattered attack, Ukraine’s airpower has been backed up by multiple Western allies, including the United States.

Ukrainian defense against Russia’s air raids has also been more solid than expected, Reuters reported. This has mainly been credited to equipment like surface-to-air missiles. The United States also previously vowed to give Ukraine Russian-made helicopters, which were once intended for Afghanistan.

The news comes as Moscow has reportedly revamped its assault on Ukraine, focusing its forces on the Eastern and Southern regions of the country. 

Also Read: Why ‘Battle for Donbas’ holds key to Russia-Ukraine conflict

If successful, the Russian offensive in what is known as the Donbas would essentially slice Ukraine in two and give President Vladimir Putin a badly needed victory following the failed attempt by Moscow’s forces to storm the capital, Kyiv, and heavier-than-expected casualties nearly two months into the war.

“They (Russians) have driven almost everyone and everything that is capable of fighting us against Ukraine,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a statement.