Ukraine facing grinding campaign as it waits for weapons

By JOHN LEICESTER and ELENA BECATOROS
Associated Press

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian forces in the country’s east are locked in a grinding battle as they try to prevent significant Russian advances before the arrival of advanced rockets and anti-aircraft weapons pledged by Western nations. With the weapons deliveries possibly weeks away, military analysts say Ukraine is looking at a prolonged period of grueling combat. Britain said Thursday it is sending sophisticated medium-range rocket systems to Ukraine. The pledge came a day after the United States and Germany said they would equip the embattled nation with advanced weapons for shooting down aircraft and knocking out artillery.