Oleksii Reznikov said M142 high-mobility artillery rocket systems, often referred to as HIMARS, had been used effectively by Ukrainian forces in the northeastern city of Izyum, but said more was needed to push back Russian forces. “We needed to convince them, show them proof,” Reznikov told the paper about Ukraine’s ability to use the weapons systems effectively. “In the Izyum case we were precise [in targeting] a Russian command center for aerial operations. It was really accurate. Our partners saw it and said, “You passed the test.” Reznikov also said the Ukrainian front needed more supplies such as armored vehicles, tanks, drones and unmanned aerial vehicles, noting that the drones in use were constantly blocked by Russian forces. “We have to renew our platoons and change them and make replacements as well because we also have a lot of casualties,” Reznikov said. “We expect more armored vehicles, more weapons from our partners. We need to rebuild some directions and renew our fortifications and design a new operational strategy.” Ukraine is beefing up its naval forces in the Black Sea as Russia continues to block the country’s grain supplies from reaching the world market, the newspaper said. In a statement on Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodolymr Zelensky said Russia had carried out brutal air strikes on populated areas as Moscow continues its push to control the Donbass region. Is the federal government condemning efforts to address climate change? Capitol Police Sergeant Injured Jan. 6 Says Trump Betrayed Oath to Constitution Russian forces have already captured the city of Lysychansk and are trying to regain full control of the Donetsk region, which is under heavy shelling. Ukraine has repeatedly said that the most important thing the West can offer in its fight against Russia is weapons, as Russia maintains a significant advantage in long-range weapons. He promised not to use US missile systems to strike targets inside Russia. The Pentagon unveiled an $820 million weapons package earlier this month for the war-torn country, which included advanced air defense systems. Since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February, the US has provided $6.9 billion in security assistance to Ukraine.