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US announces new $125 million in military aid to Ukraine

2024-08-10 16:01:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

The United States announced on Friday that it will send $125 million in new military aid to Ukraine, including missiles and anti-armor systems. The announcement came after a recent Russian attack that left dozens dead in Ukraine.

This is the tenth tranche of aid to be sent to Ukraine since President Joe Biden signed the Congress-approved Ukraine aid bill in April. The United States has approved sending $175 billion to Ukraine since Russia launched an attack on the country in February 2022, according to the Council on Foreign Relations, a New York-based foreign policy think tank.

The announcement of the new military aid came hours after a Russian missile hit a grocery store in the Ukrainian town of Kostiantynivka, killing at least 14 people and injuring 44 others. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on social media platform X that "Russia will bear responsibility for this terrorist attack." Russia has not yet commented on the attack.

Rescue teams continue to search for survivors who may have been trapped under the rubble after the attack, according to President Zelenskyy. Damage to shops, the city post office and damage to vehicles was reported.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a statement explaining the content and purpose of the new military aid.

"It includes air defense interceptors, ammunition for missile and artillery systems, radars and anti-tank weapons that will help Ukraine protect its troops, people and cities from Russian attacks and strengthen military capabilities on the front lines." the statement said.

The statement reaffirmed the support of the United States for Ukraine and said that "the United States will send this new aid package as soon as possible in order to strengthen the air defense of Ukraine, its territory and people."

In a post on the social network X, President Zelenskyy thanked his counterpart Joe Biden and the United States for the help.

"It is critical that the United States continue to take strong steps and show leadership in defense of Ukraine's freedom and stability in Europe," he wrote. "We appreciate the support of the United States since the first day of the large-scale attack by Russia, help that has made it possible for us to save many lives together," he said.

Russia said it was facing an attack along its border with Ukraine and on Friday declared a "federal-level" state of emergency in its Kursk region. Ukrainian and Russian forces have been fighting in the area for the fourth day in a row, according to Russia's defense ministry.

Russia described it as one of the most extensive incursions by Ukrainian forces since the start of the war, which began 2 1/2 years ago following aggression by Moscow.

At the same time, the Reuters news agency reported that members of Russia's military forces were in Iran to train in the use of the Fath-360 long-range ballistic missile system. European intelligence sources said they expected Iran to supply Russia with weapons.

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the United States and its allies "are prepared to respond immediately if Iran takes steps toward such shipments, which would mark a dramatic escalation of support for Iran for Russia's aggression against Ukraine".

In a statement, Russia's Defense Ministry said its troops had blocked the advance of Ukrainian forces deeper into the Kursk region in southwestern Russia.

Also, the army was said to be attacking Ukrainian fighters who were trying to advance from the Sumy region of Ukraine.

Washington gave its approval for the Ukrainian operation. The incursion into the Kursk region "is consistent with our policy," Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said as she briefed reporters on Thursday./ Voa