Increasing Concern: Ukrainian Soldiers Wary of Losing Vital US Military Support for American-made Firearms

A Ukrainian soldier sprints through the front-line in Klishchiivka, eastern Ukraine, amidst the sounds of gunshots and artillery fire. Equipped with a M16 rifle manufactured in the United States, he and his unit swiftly advance into an area previously occupied by Russian forces.

Breathing heavily as he rushes across the barren terrain, he faces a fellow soldier armed with a FN Minimi, produced in Belgium, and commands, "You, manning the machine gun, maintain this position."

The soldiers helmet camera captured the scene, highlighting Ukraine's significant dependence on international military aid, particularly the equipment supplied by the United States. This includes not only costly tanks, armored vehicles, and advanced missiles but also smaller firearms like assault rifles and machine guns. Moreover, it demonstrates why the decision of the US Congress to pass a temporary funding bill to prevent a government shutdown, without providing additional funding for Ukraine, raised concerns from Kyiv all the way to the front line.

US President Joe Biden wasted no time in offering reassurance to Ukraine and US allies, emphasizing unwavering American support. However, he also urged Congress to fulfill its commitment by conducting a separate vote on funding for Ukraine. Nevertheless, the incident in Washington served as a wake-up call for Ukrainians, highlighting the potential for US support to be influenced by the ever-changing political dynamics in DC.

In the eastern region of Ukraine, where Ukrainian soldiers are currently engaged in a counteroffensive against Russian forces with the assistance of American weaponry, such a possibility remains inconceivable.

A Ukrainian soldier practices with an American-donated machine gun at a training ground in eastern Ukraine.

Vasco Cotovio, a CNN reporter, observes Vasyl, a 44-year-old individual, as he fearlessly practices using a M2 Browning machine gun manufactured in the United States. Despite the ongoing artillery duels near the war-torn city of Bakhmut, Vasyl remains composed. He meticulously surveys the training area, identifying targets before taking aim and pulling the trigger.

"This machine gun is highly reliable and effective," stated Vasyl, who preferred to remain anonymous for safety reasons. "It proves extremely useful when operating from a high-rise, offering a tactical advantage by providing a commanding view of the enemy below."

Vasyl, a member of the fire support team in the 80th airborne assault brigade, plays a crucial role in providing cover for advancing units and impeding Russian forces during counterattacks. He expressed deep concern about the potential consequences if Ukraine were to lose support from the United States.

"I dont know what to say," he said. "That would be tough."

Serviceman Volodymyr Kostiak spoke to CNN in Kyiv Sunday as Ukraine marked Day of the Defenders.

Olga Voitovych/CNN

Ukrainians express disappointment over absence of extra funding in US spending bill, emphasizing the need for assistance.

Ukraine's National Security Adviser Oleksiy Danilov stated in an extensive CNN interview that the world stands at a crucial juncture. He emphasized that the US, a global guardian of democracy, cannot simply observe passively while his country bears the brunt of Russian aggression.

According to Danilov, if the US were to withdraw the assistance it currently extends to Ukraine, it would not only bring immense delight to Russian President Vladimir Putin, but also to all authoritarian regimes. He cautioned that numerous countries could swiftly become engulfed in darkness. Therefore, Danilov called on the American people to make a choice - either stand on the side illuminated by light or brace themselves for highly unpredictable events that may transpire.

Danilov made a historical comparison to the 1930s, when people ignored Hitler's actions, but expressed belief in the US's continued support for Ukraine. He was certain that the American people, including Congress members, stood for justice. He also expressed confidence that the US support would not cease.

Smoke rises from the horizon at the Ukrainian military training ground, momentarily interrupting the ongoing artillery duel. The brief silence is abruptly shattered as multiple-rocket launch systems unleash a powerful barrage, indicating a persistent state of combat along the frontline.

Unfazed, Vasyl calmly reloads the Browning, readying himself for another practice session with a self-assured grin. Having previously handled Soviet machine guns, he confidently asserts that this new weapon is a significant upgrade.

Ukraine is reliant on Western military supplies -- not just high-tech missiles, but also small arms like the US-made M2 Browning machine gun.

"It's superior because it never fails," he stated. "Soviet ones tend to get jammed after a few shots due to dust getting in. However, with the Browning, even if it jams like you witnessed, a simple jerk and it keeps functioning. No issues," he elaborated.

Vasyl cannot afford to worry about Western weapons like this one ceasing to reach Ukrainian hands, as his focus is solely on his role as a fighter, not the political aspects.

And he says hell do so, with US weapons or not.

"We would be able to perform well with a Soviet gun," he said. "We dont have a choice. We have to fight."