Amidst a waiting period for Congress to approve additional funds for Ukraine, the U.S. looks to its allies to help bridge the resource gap. …reports Asian Lite News
The United States faces a financial shortfall in supporting Ukraine against Russia’s invasion, unable to send crucial ammunition and missiles. The Biden administration, grappling with domestic political challenges, attended the monthly meeting of around 50 nations coordinating Ukraine support empty-handed. Established in April 2022 by Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, the group aimed to bolster Ukraine’s defence.
Amidst a waiting period for Congress to approve additional funds for Ukraine, the U.S. looks to its allies to help bridge the resource gap. Defence Secretary Austin, recovering from prostate cancer surgery, urged the group to provide Ukraine with life-saving ground-based air defence systems and interceptors.
Celeste Wallander, Assistant Defence Secretary for International Affairs, revealed reports from Ukraine’s ministry of defence indicating critical shortages of ammunition on the front lines. Focusing on addressing Congress’ questions, Wallander emphasized the necessity of legislative decisions to facilitate aid passage.
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As Ukraine awaits Congressional decisions, European allies are taking proactive measures to assist. In Brussels, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg announced a $1.2 billion joint contract for over 222,000 rounds of 155 mm ammunition. This contract aims to replenish allies who have depleted their own reserves supporting Kyiv.
While the Israel-Hamas conflict has dominated recent headlines, Russia’s onslaught against Ukraine continues, underscoring the urgency of international efforts to address the humanitarian and security crisis.
At least five people were killed in Russia’s strikes on Ukraine’s Kharkiv and Kiev, local authorities said. Regional Military Administration head Oleh Syniehubov Russia struck the Kyivskyi and Saltivskyi districts of Kharkiv with Kh-22 missiles in which four people were killed, Ukrianska Pravda reported.
He said the Russian missile strike destroyed an apartment block. “People are under the rubble. Rescuers and other emergency services are working at the scene,” he added.
According to a local power operator, Kharkivoblenergo, energy companies are already working to restore electricity supply to the residential quarters.
In Kiev, one person was killed and four others injured. At least eight explosions were reported in Kharkiv. However, the Russian military said that it does not target civilians when it hit objects in Ukraine.
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