US unveils 370 million euro weapons package for Ukraine

The United States has announced a new aid package for Ukraine, aimed at helping the country defend itself against the escalating Russian efforts to capture Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city. This latest aid package, the third since late April, includes rockets, patrol vehicles, and anti-radiation missiles, all coming from existing US stockpiles to quickly reach the war front.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the nation on Thursday, reassuring them of the incoming US weaponry and boosting confidence in their ability to fend off Russian attacks. White House national security spokesman John Kirby emphasized that the aid is intended to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses, particularly in Kharkiv, where Russian attacks are frequent.

The urgency of the situation was highlighted on Friday when Ukraine had to rush reinforcements to the northeastern Kharkiv region to repel a Russian attempt to breach local defenses. The intense overnight shelling targeted the city of Vovchansk, resulting in civilian casualties and prompting the evacuation of thousands of people.

Russian infantry also attempted to penetrate Ukrainian defenses near Vovchansk, leading to a deployment of reserve units by the Ukrainian Defence Ministry. Russian military bloggers suggested that this assault could be the beginning of a Russian effort to create a “buffer zone” to prevent Ukrainian attacks on Russian border regions.

The aid package from the US is seen as crucial in helping Ukraine withstand the Russian aggression and ensuring the safety and security of the Ukrainian people in the face of ongoing conflict.