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UKRAINE INTERNATIONAL MILITARY SUPPORT ... Maddow Perspective UK Quietly Sends Major Military Support to Ukraine – FOIA Documents Reveal \| Rachel Maddow PLAY YOUTUBE VIDEO Original article: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egVWSrdTmW4
UK Quietly Sends Major Military Support to Ukraine – FOIA Documents Reveal \| Rachel Maddow Maddow Perspective Jan 6, 2026 182 subscribers ... 8,574 views ... 337 likes UNITED STATES Newly released Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) documents from the UK Ministry of Defence confirm that Britain has transferred its entire remaining fleet of AS-90 self-propelled artillery systems to Ukraine. In this video, we examine how the disclosure emerged, what the documents reveal, and why the AS-90 matters within Ukraine’s broader artillery strategy. We also break down the confirmed delivery of additional UK military equipment, including M109 self-propelled howitzers, L119 light guns, CVR(T) armored vehicles, and reports of further Storm Shadow cruise missile transfers. Using publicly available records and official responses, this documentary-style analysis places these transfers in context—comparing Ukrainian and Russian artillery structures, logistics, and operational flexibility—without speculation or exaggeration. All information is based on credible sources, including UK Ministry of Defence FOIA responses, UN arms reporting, and established defense analysis. ⚠️ Disclaimer This video is for informational and educational purposes only. All facts are drawn from publicly available sources, including official government documents and open-source defense reporting. No classified information is used, and no operational or tactical advice is provided. Descriptions of weapons systems are technical and contextual, not promotional. This video contains analysis, opinions, and geopolitical commentary that some viewers may find controversial. The content does not intend to target, insult, promote hatred toward, or discriminate against any nation, government, group, or individual. All perspectives are presented solely for informational, educational, and documentary purposes. Some segments may discuss war, military strategy, or intense geopolitical scenarios which certain viewers may find disturbing. If you are sensitive to war-related or high-intensity geopolitical content, this video may not be suitable for you. Viewer discretion is advised. This video is based on publicly available information from credible and verifiable sources. All facts, figures, and events are presented as reported, while any analysis or interpretation reflects the views of analysts, experts, or referenced publications. Visuals shown in this video are illustrative in nature and may include AI-generated, symbolic, or simulated representations used for explanatory purposes only. They do not depict real footage or confirmed visual evidence. This video is created for informational and documentary purposes and follows YouTube community guidelines. #UkraineWar #UKDefense #AS90 #MilitaryAnalysis #Artillery #FOIA #NATOSupport #DefenseNews #OpenSourceIntelligence #Geopolitics How this was made Altered or synthetic content Sound or visuals were significantly edited or digitally generated. Peter Burgess COMMENTARY Peter Burgess Transcript 0:00 The United Kingdom has made significant previously unpublicized contributions to Ukraine's war effort, including the transfer of its entire fleet of S90 self-propelled artillery systems. This information emerged not through official announcements, but through a Freedom of Information Act request submitted by a British citizen. The disclosure came from John Felix, who posts on X under the handle Nedsnow 2019. Felix submitted a formal FOIA request to the UK Ministry of Defense asking for clarification on several weapon systems the UK may have supplied to Ukraine. His first question focused on the AS90 self-propelled howitzer. Specifically, he asked how many systems were included when the UK stated it had pledged all of its AS90 self to Ukraine, whether that referred to the 99 systems listed as in service in late 2021, the total fleet of 136, or another figure. After a delay, the Ministry of Defense responded. Felix later published the full reply on his exac account. The MOD stated, 'The UK 1:00 has donated all 99 of its remaining AS90 self-propelled artillery systems declared in the UN ROA of 2021. This confirms that the UK transferred its entire remaining operational fleet of AS90s to Ukraine. To understand the significance of this decision, it is necessary to examine the AS90 itself. The AS90, short for artillery system for the 1990s, formerly designated gun equipment 155mml 131, is an armored self-propelled howitzer that served as a core artillery platform for the British Army for several decades. Development began in the 1980s when the British Army sought a modern replacement for the Americanmade M1009, which had been in UK service since the mid 1960s. The system was designed by Vickers Ship Building and Engineering, a company with extensive experience in military manufacturing. The resulting platform weighs approximately 45 tons and measures just under 10 m in length, 3.4 2:00 m in width, and around 3 m in height. It is crewed by up to five personnel. Power is provided by a Cumins VTA 9003T660, a 14.8 L V8 diesel engine producing 660 horsepower. This allows the AS90 to reach speeds of up to 55 kmph with an operational range of approximately 370 km. Its mobility places it closer to an infantry fighting vehicle than traditional towed artillery while retaining the firepower of a modern howitzer. The main armament is a 155mml39 gun. Using standard ammunition, the system has a firing range of nearly 25 km when configured to fire 52 caliber base ammunition. The range can extend to roughly 30 km. Baseleed shells reduce aerodynamic drag by expelling gas into the low pressure area behind the projectile, allowing it to travel further than conventional rounds. The AS90 supports several firing modes. In 3:00 burst mode, it can fire three rounds in 10 seconds. In intense mode, it can sustain six rounds per minute for up to 3 minutes. In sustained mode, it fires two rounds per minute for up to an hour. The system can transition from movement to firing in under one minute and is equipped with multiple rounds simultaneous impact or MRSI capability. This allows the gun to fire multiple shells along different trajectories so that they land on the target at nearly the same time, increasing effectiveness while reducing enemy reaction time. In terms of protection, the AS90 features all welded steel armor up to 17 millimeters thick in certain areas. It is also fitted with a 7.62mm7 machine gun for self-defense. Each vehicle can carry 48 artillery rounds and propellant charges, 31 stored in the turret and 17 in the hull along with approximately 1,000 rounds of machine gun ammunition. A total of 179 AS90 units were produced. The system first saw operational use during the Yugoslav 4:00 wars in the 1990s, including deployments in Bosnia and Kosovo. It was later used during the 2003 Iraq War, where 32 AS90s provided fire support during the Battle of Basra, targeting Iraqi mortar positions. At the time, senior British commanders publicly praised the systems performance. General Robin Brims, then commander of the field army at Land Command, highlighted its precision, describing the accuracy as exceeding expectations and identifying the AS90 as one of the key battlefield assets used by British forces. Former UK Defense Minister Adam Ingram also noted the systems effectiveness, stating that it delivered accurate fire support with an availability rate of 95%. Despite its strong service record, the British Army eventually began transitioning to newer artillery platforms. In particular, the UK selected the Swedish designed archer artillery system, which offers higher levels of automation and improved firing efficiency. As a result, the AS90 was gradually phased out of frontline 5:01 service. At that stage, the UK faced several options regarding the future of its AS90 fleet. disposal, long-term storage, sale to another country, or transfer to an allied nation in need. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the British government chose the latter option. It was already publicly known that the UK had transferred some AS90 systems to Ukraine in 2023 after introducing a smaller fleet of 14 archer systems into British service. At the time, it was reported that 32 AS90s had been delivered to Ukrainian forces. The foyer response now confirms that this transfer ultimately included all 99 AS90 systems remaining in the UK's declared inventory, marking one of the most substantial artillery contributions made by Britain to Ukraine's defense. Public records had previously indicated that the United Kingdom still possessed additional AS90 self-propelled howitzers beyond those already known to have been transferred to Ukraine. As a result, military analysts and observers 6:01 questioned what would happen to the remaining units. Possibilities included disposal, sale, long-term storage, or further transfers that had not been publicly disclosed. That uncertainty has now been resolved through the Freedom of Information Act requests submitted by John Felix. The Ministry of Defense confirmed that a total of 99 AS90 systems were donated to Ukraine. It is important to clarify that not all of these systems were actively serving at the time of transfer. According to Felix's assessment of available records, the British Army had 99 AS90s listed as functional and in service. These are the systems confirmed by the Ministry of Defense as having been transferred to Ukraine. An additional 37 AS90s were awaiting disposal and were no longer considered operational. While those 37 systems were not combat ready, they still retain potential value. Ukrainian maintenance and engineering units may be able to refurbish some of them or use them as a source of spare parts. This is particularly significant in an 7:00 environment where artillery systems are exposed to sustained wear and damage from air strikes, missiles, and drones. Even excluding the non-operational units, Ukraine has received nearly 100 fully functional AS90s for frontline use. From a military capability perspective, analysts note that this transfer strengthens Ukraine's artillery forces in several key ways. One of the most important factors is the increased diversity of Ukraine's artillery inventory. Ukrainian forces already operate a mix of Soviet era systems, including the 2S3 Akatsia and the 2S19 MST. These platforms are older but well understood by Ukrainian crews and have proven reliable in long-term service. In addition, Ukraine fields a growing number of Western supplied artillery systems, including the British M777, the French Sier, and the German PZH2000. Along with other NATO standard 155mm platforms, the AS90 adds another capability within this framework, offering a tracked, heavily protected 8:00 system with high mobility and NATO ammunition compatibility. Comparative assessments by defense analysts highlight several characteristics of the AS90 relative to other systems in Ukrainian service. It is generally considered more mobile than the 2S19 MSE, more robust in sustained operations than some highly automated systems such as the PZH2000, and better suited to difficult terrain than wheeled platforms like the CR. The AS90 is also regarded as well adapted to cold weather and muddy or uneven ground conditions frequently encountered in Ukraine. Another important advantage is logistics. Unlike legacy Soviet systems, the AS90 uses standard NATO 155mm munition, simplifying supply chains and allowing Ukraine to draw from a broader pool of compatible munitions. Russia's artillery inventory, by comparison, is more limited in variety. Russian forces primarily operate systems such as the 2S3 AATSIA and the 2S19 MTA along with the newer 2S35 Kalit CSFV. While the 9:02 coalit CSV is intended to replace the MSTA, it has so far been produced and deployed in relatively small numbers. As a result, analysts often describe Russia's artillery force as numerically large but less diverse. Russia retains an advantage in overall quantities of artillery systems and Soviet era ammunition stockpiles. Ukraine, however, benefits from a wider range of systems with differing mobility, protection, and firing characteristics. This allows Ukrainian commanders greater flexibility in selecting platforms based on terrain, mission type, and operational requirements. Ukraine's artillery doctrine increasingly emphasizes precision, rapid deployment, and coordinated use of different systems. The AS90's ability to transition quickly between movement and firing positions supports this approach. After delivering fire, the system can relocate rapidly, reducing vulnerability to counter battery strikes. This type of mobility contrasts with slower systems that require more time to deploy or withdraw. 10:01 Analysts note that such characteristics can be particularly valuable in highintensity environments where counter artillery fire is a constant threat. The foyer response also confirmed additional UK artillery transfers to Ukraine. In response to Felix's second question, the Ministry of Defense stated the pledged 28 M1009s to Ukraine corresponds to the total number of M1009s pledged. All of the 28 M1009s have been delivered to Ukraine. Felix's third question addressed the L119 towed howitzers pledged by the UK. The ministry confirmed all L119 light guns pledged to Ukraine have been delivered. The fourth question concerned combat vehicle reconnaissance tracked or CVRT vehicles. The response stated, 'All the UK's remaining stocks of CVRTs were delivered to Ukraine in 2024, amounting to 168 in total. These additional transfers further expand Ukraine's range of capabilities. The M1009 is a 155mm 11:02 self-propelled howitzer originally developed in the United States and introduced in 1963. Although newer systems have replaced it in some armed forces, the M1009 remains widely used worldwide. Modern variants including the M1009 A6 Paladin and M1009A7 continue to serve as core artillery platforms for the US Army. The L119 light gun provides a different capability. It is a lightweight towed howitzer capable of both direct fire against vehicles and structures and indirect fire at ranges exceeding 10 km. The system can be transported by truck or helicopter and fires NATO standard 105mm ammunition. It is compatible with multiple munition types, including high explosive and smoke rounds. Taken together, the disclosures from the FOYA request provide a clearer picture of the scale and scope of the United Kingdom's artillery support to Ukraine and how these systems contribute to the overall structure of Ukraine's land forces. The 12:00 CVRT or combat vehicle reconnaissance tract is not a single platform, but a family of armored vehicles known for their compact size, high mobility, and versatility. Variants include the Spartan Armored Personnel Carrier, the Sultan Command and Control Vehicle, and the Samson armored recovery vehicle, among others. This range allows the CVRT family to support a wide variety of operational roles from reconnaissance and troop transport to command coordination and vehicle recovery. While not every one of these systems fundamentally alters conditions on the battlefield, each contributes practical value. Collectively, they enhance Ukraine's ability to move personnel and supplies, recover damaged equipment, maintain command structures, f and conduct operations more efficiently across different environments. The United Kingdom's military support to Ukraine has also extended beyond ground systems. In November 2025, reports indicated that Britain had supplied an additional batch of Storm Shadow longrange cruise missiles to Ukraine. Known in France as Scalp EG, the Storm Shadow entered service in 2003 and is a 13:02 jointly developed Franco British weapon. Each missile is reported to cost approximately 2.5 million. It weighs around 2,900 lb or roughly 1,300 kg and carries a warhead weighing close to 1,000 lb or about 450 kg. Powered by a microturbo TI 6030 turbo jet engine, the missile can reach speeds of up to Mach 0.95 and has an operational range of approximately 550 km or 342 mi. Storm Shadow missiles use a combination of GPS guidance, inertial navigation, and terrain reference navigation systems. This layered guidance architecture is designed to maintain accuracy even in environments where electronic warfare measures such as jamming are present. Ukraine has previously employed storm shadow missiles against high-v valueue targets located deep behind Russian lines, including ammunition depots, logistics facilities, and command centers. Analysts note that additional 14:00 deliveries could allow Ukrainian forces to sustain or expand such strike capabilities against similar categories of military infrastructure. Potential targets discussed by analysts have included fuel infrastructure, logistics networks, and military production facilities, though operational details are not publicly disclosed. Taken together, these deliveries underscore the scale of support provided by the United Kingdom alone. Ukraine, however, continues to receive assistance from a wide range of international partners. European countries such as Germany, Poland, and Sweden along with the United States have contributed significant military aid while non-NATO countries including Japan and Australia have also provided support in various forms. Russia, by contrast, relies on a much smaller group of external partners. Analysts commonly note that this support has come primarily from countries such as Iran, China, and North Korea, often through arrangements that appear to serve their own strategic or economic interests. Most military experts agree that Ukraine's ability to sustain its 15:01 defense effort depends heavily on continued international assistance. With ongoing support in areas such as armored vehicles, artillery systems, air defense, ammunition, and long range strike capabilities, analysts assess that Ukraine's prospects have improved relative to earlier phases of the conflict. For viewers interested in further context, additional analysis is available on other British supplied systems, including counter drone technologies and surveillance assets, as well as Ukraine's own domestically developed military innovations. Subscribing to the channel allows viewers to follow ongoing coverage of developments in Ukraine and the evolving role of international military assistance.

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