The Kyiv Independent
News, analyses, investigations, opinions, podcasts and more. On-the-ground reporting from Ukraine
White House can't comment on timing and delivery of US aid to Ukraine.
The delivery of military aid to Ukraine continues, but the White House cannot comment on the timing and volume of deliveries due to operational security concerns, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on April 29.
"Aid into Ukraine is ongoing," Jean-Pierre said. "They have been receiving that security assistance. I'm going to be really mindful here because there are operational security concerns that I want to be careful of. What we hope is that it gets to the frontlines so that Ukraine can continue to defend itself."
The U.S. passed the long-awaited $61 billion foreign aid package last week after nearly six months of political infighting and delays.
The following day, the Pentagon announced that it was ready to move forward with sending $1 billion of weapons to Kyiv from U.S. stockpiles, including more ammunition for HIMARS, 155 mm ammunition, air defense interceptors, and armored vehicles.
This became the first official defense package for Ukraine under the signed aid bill. The most recent package prior to this latest round of aid was worth $300 million and was announced by Washington on March 12.
Zelensky identified air defense systems, long-range weapons, and artillery as Ukraine's most urgent needs, calling the materiel "crucial tools for the speedy restoration of a just peace."
Russia has taken advantage of Ukraine's growing battlefield ammunition shortages, taking the city of Avdiivka in February. Russian troops also continue to intensify attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure this spring, leaving Ukrainian citizens and businesses without a stable power supply.
Zelensky: Slovenia confirms participation in Ukraine's peace summit in Switzerland.
Some 160 national delegations were invited to the peace summit, and at least 50 countries have confirmed their participation.
Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian drones hit military facilities in Russia, Crimea amid Russian claims of over 100 drones downed.
Key updates on May 17:Ukrainian drones hit military facilities in Russia, Crimea amid Russian claims of over 100 drones downedZelensky says Russia's Kharkiv Oblast offensive advances as far as 10 km, halted by 1st defense lineZelensky signs l...
UK announces new sanctions targeting Russia's 'arms for oil' trade with North Korea.
The new sanctions will target three companies and one individual from North Korea and Russia and follow similar measures implemented by the U.S. the day before.
Slovak PM Fico undergoes 2nd surgery, still in serious condition following assassination attempt.
The Dennik N media outlet reported that none of the doctors personally attending to Fico have spoken publicly.
Governor: Ukraine rescues 4 children from Russian-held territory of Kherson Oblast.
The evacuated children are three brothers and a sister, aged from two to 12, according to Oleksandr Prokudin.
Putin to meet with Xi in China
Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to travel to Beijing Thursday to meet with President Xi Jinping. It will be Putin's first overseas trip since being sworn in for a fifth term last week. CBS News senior foreign correspondent Charlie D'A...
U.S. to send $1bn to Israel - May 15, 2024
The U.S. is planning on sending over one billion dollars' worth of military aid to Israel even as Israel is planning on military action in Rafah. This comes as aid trucks headed to Gaza were looted in the West Bank and Israel released a video they...
Afghanistan: Aid agencies appeal for funding as floods kill over 300 - DW News.
International aid agencies still operating in Afghanistan are appealing for more funding to help victims of flash flooding. At least 300 people have been killed and more than sixteen hundred injured in Baghlan province. Thousands have been displac...
Slovakian prime minister shot in assassination attempt, rushed to hospital.
Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, 59, was shot in the abdomen in an assassination attempt in the town of Handlova on Wednesday, according to a government official. Subscribe to ABC News on YouTube: Watch 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live...
Preview Clip - ‘IMPACT x Nightline: Andrew Tate – Into the Manosphere’.
Stream the newest episode of "IMPACT x Nightline” beginning Thursday, May 16, only on Hulu. Subscribe to ABC News on YouTube: Watch 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events on ABC News Live: Watch full episodes of World News Tonight with Dav...
Barge strikes Texas bridge, triggering partial collapse.
The Pelican Island Bridge in Galveston, Texas, has been closed to traffic after it was struck by a barge and partially collapsed. » Subscribe to NBC News: NBC News Digital is a collection of innovative and powerful news brands that deliver compell...