A snapshot of recent news from sources around the world on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
A U.S. Army Patriot missile defense system takes part in an exercise in Croatia in May 2021. – U.S. Army
Ukraine claims it used a Patriot missile defense system to shoot down a Russian Kh-47 Kinzhal hypersonic ballistic missile over Kyiv. The incident marks the first time Ukrainian forces have intercepted one of these advanced missiles. U.S. officials are supporting the Ukrainian claim, and the Pentagon confirmed that the Russian missile was intercepted by the Patriot.
The U.S. announced a $1.2 billion security assistance package for Ukraine. The aid is being provided through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), which means equipment is procured from manufacturers rather than being pulled from U.S. inventories. The aid deal includes additional air defense systems and munitions; equipment to integrate Western air and missile defense launchers, missiles, and radars into Ukraine’s air defense systems; ammunition for counter-unmanned aerial system capabilities; 155mm artillery rounds; commercial satellite imagery services; and support for training, maintenance, and sustainment activities.
The leader of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group has backtracked on threats to pull his forces out of the contested city of Bakhmut. Yevgeny Prigozhin initially said he would withdraw due to a lack of ammunition. His threat appears to have worked, and Moscow has promised to supply Wagner with additional ammunition and weapons.
The U.S. Army has awarded a contract to Lockheed Martin for Javelin missile production between 2023 and 2026 to replace thousands of missiles donated to Ukraine and bolster U.S. stockpiles. The deal has a maximum value of $7.2 billion.
Russia launched 60 Iranian-made kamikaze drones into Ukraine on Monday. Ukrainian officials said 36 of those targeted Kyiv, all of which were shot down. The move was part of Russia’s renewed air campaign.
Another wave of air attacks came on Tuesday involving about 15 cruise missiles targeting Kyiv. Ukrainian officials said all the missiles were shot down. The attack came on the same day Moscow celebrated Victory Day, which commemorates the defeat of Nazi Germany.
The Ukrainian government is said to be requesting the purchase of Brazilian armored personnel carriers for use as ambulances. Ukraine’s embassy in Brazil had made the request for up to 450 VBTP-MR Guarani APCs late last month.
Russia has launched another wave of air strikes against Ukraine. Ukrainian air defense forces say they downed 35 Iranian-made Shahed drones.
Russia has lost additional unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) during operations over Ukrainian territory. Ukrainian air defense forces said they shot down three Russian-operated UAVs flying in the Kherson region.
Although the United Kingdom appears to favor the delivery of long-range missiles to Ukraine, the United States will not change its stance. Kyiv has requested the U.S.-made Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), which has a range of 300 kilometers.
The U.K. has confirmed it is donating Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine. The donation of these weapon systems gives Ukraine the best chance to defend itself against Russia’s continued brutality, according to the U.K. Ministry of Defence. Russia must recognize that its actions alone have led to such systems being provided to Ukraine, the U.K. MoD stated.
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