The Kyiv Independent
News, analyses, investigations, opinions, podcasts and more. On-the-ground reporting from Ukraine
Zelensky: Ukraine, US 'finalized' agreements on ATACMS.
Ukraine "finalized" the agreement on long-range Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles with the U.S., President Volodymyr Zelensky said after a call with his American counterpart Joe Biden on April 22.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed on April 20 a $61 billion aid bill for Kyiv, ending months of deadlock. U.S. assistance has been effectively blocked by political infighting since the end of 2023.
The bill also requires the Biden administration to deliver long-range ATACMS missiles when practicable "after the date of enactment of this Act."
The U.S. first delivered ATACMS missiles to Ukraine in October 2023, following months of deliberation. The package included only the older models with a range of 165 kilometers. Newer variants of ATACMS have a maximum range of around 300 kilometers and have so far not been provided to Ukraine.
In late February, NBC News reported that the White House is ready to provide Kyiv with longer-range ATACMS missile variants if Congress approves a new funding package.
After a meeting with a bipartisan U.S. delegation, Zelensky named four priorities for Ukraine, including air defenses, modern artillery, long-range capabilities, and quick aid deliveries.
"Today's result is that in the agreements on ATACMS for Ukraine, all the details have been finalized. Thank you, Mr. President, thank you, Congress, thank you, America," Zelensky said in an evening address.
U.S. Senator Mark Warner said on April 21 that shipments that include long-range missile systems could be ready to be delivered within days.
Ukraine has continued to press its Western allies for longer-range weapons, including the newer ATACMS, but faced hesitation about delivering arms that could potentially be used to strike within Russian territory.
U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed concern in 2022 that delivering ATACMS could increase tensions between the U.S. and Russia to the point that it could lead to another world war.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is against sending Germany's Taurus missiles to Kyiv because he fears the move will draw Germany into the war. Ukraine has received other long-range missiles, such as the Storm Shadow from the U.K. and the French-made SCALP.
SBU arrest man who allegedly spied on Ukrainian positions while walking dog.
A Russian correctional officer was arrested in Kharkiv for allegedly spying on Ukrainian defense position and providing Russia information in preparation for a air attack on military facilities - all under the guise of walking his dog, Ukraine's S...
Zelensky: Ukraine open to considering all-for-all POW exchange.
Ukraine is open to considering an all-for-all prisoner of war (POW) exchange, and will discuss the idea at the upcoming Peace Summit in Switzerland in June, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 3.
Russia attacks 10 communities in Sumy Oblast
Russian forces attacked Sumy Oblast 120 times in 28 separate attacks throughout the day, the Sumy Oblast Military Administration reported on May 3.
Russia launches drone attack on Kharkiv, injuring at least 1.
Russia launched drone attacks on Kharkiv in the early hours of May 4, damaging civilian infrastructure, and injuring at least one person, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported on Telegram.
Bloomberg: US leading efforts within G7 to develop $50 billion aid package to Ukraine.
The United States is leading talks among the Group of Seven (G7) nations to develop a military aid package to Ukraine worth up to $50 billion, Bloomberg reported on May 3. The package would reportedly be funded by the profits generated by accrued ...
Cities across U.S. run out of funding to shelter migrants
Over 100 asylum seekers in Seattle were forced to sleep in tents in a public park after government funding for their temporary shelter ran out. Denver, Boston, and New York are also putting limits on how long migrants can stay in emergency shelter...
Maggie Haberman on why she thinks Trump’s recent day in court was ‘very tense’.
CNN political analyst Maggie Haberman joins CNN’s Kaitlan Collins on The Source to discuss the criminal trial of Donald Trump, including what she thinks about the former president’s demeanor in the courtroom. #CNN #News
5/1: America Decides
Florida’s six-week abortion ban takes effect; former first lady Michelle Obama surprises students for college signing day. CBS News Streaming Network is the premier 24/7 anchored streaming news service from CBS News and Stations, available free to...
Biden administration plans to reclassify cannabis
#Cannabis is currently classified along with drugs like heroin and LSD. The #Biden administration is expected to reschedule it in a category that includes steroids and Tylenol with codeine. #Shorts » Subscribe to NBC News: NBC News Digital is a co...
Victor Davis Hanson: The Biden team is really scared.
Hoover Institution senior fellow Victor Davis Hanson discusses fearmongering by the media about a potential future Trump administration on 'The Ingraham Angle.' Subscribe to Fox News! Watch more Fox News Video: Watch Fox News Channel Live: FOX New...
Officials break up University of Wisconsin-Madison encampment with 'violence,' student says.
Senior reporter at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Annika Bereny details “violence from law enforcement” during pro-Palestinian encampment removal on campus. » Subscribe to NBC News: NBC News Digital is a collection of innovative and powerful ...