A snapshot of recent news from sources around the world on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
M1 Abrams – Theresa Gualdarama, US Army National Guard
This week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky toured Europe, looking to rally last-minute support for his country’s upcoming counteroffensive against Russia. On his wish list is the F-16 fighter jet, and several European leaders announced support for Kyiv to acquire the aircraft.
The U.K. has pledged to send more missiles and drones to Ukraine to support its defense against the Russian military. British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace confirmed this week that Ukraine has already received Storm Shadow missiles.
Germany announced a EUR2.7 billion ($3 billion) security assistance package to Ukraine, representing Berlin’s largest contribution since Russia invaded over a year ago. The package includes 30 Leopard 1 tanks, 15 Gepard anti-aircraft tanks, more than 200 reconnaissance drones, and four IRIS-T anti-aircraft systems.
German sensor manufacturer Hensoldt received an order for six additional TRML-4D high-performance radars to help bolster Ukraine’s air defenses.
South Korea promised to expand its contribution of non-lethal aid to Ukraine, including mine-detection equipment and ambulances.
Ukrainian tank crews and maintainers are set to begin training on M1A1 Abrams tanks in Germany prior to their deployment to front lines.
Ukraine reportedly shot down six Russian Kinzhal hypersonic ballistic missiles. Russia claims it destroyed a Patriot air defense system in the attack, but U.S. officials have said the Patriot only suffered minor damage.
Ukraine says it has gained 20 square kilometers (7.7 sq mi) from Russian forces around Bakhmut, but Russian troops appeared to be pushing deeper into the city itself.
The U.K. and the Netherlands announced the formation of an international coalition to help Ukraine acquire F-16 fighter jets, and the U.S. has said it will support the coalition’s effort to train Ukrainian pilots on the aircraft. It has not been decided where donated jets will come from, how many will be delivered, or when they will arrive.
The Pentagon overestimated the cost of equipment donated to Ukraine by around $3 billion, potentially freeing up that amount of funding to provide additional arms through the remainder of the fiscal year.
Russia’s air campaign against Ukraine continued with the firing of 30 cruise missiles into various parts of the country on Thursday. Officials said 29 of those were shot down.
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