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Ukrainian Thanks US for Military Aid 04/24 06:07
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) -- Ukrainian officials on Wednesday expressed thanks for
a fresh batch of U.S. military aid that threw Kyiv's armed forces a lifeline in
their more than two-year war with Russia, even though the vital new supplies
aren't expected to have an immediate impact on the battlefield.
Ukrainian troops have faced acute shortages of shells and air defense
systems as political quarrels in Washington held up the aid for months,
allowing the Kremlin's forces to edge forward in some parts of eastern Ukraine
by sheer weight of troop numbers and firepower in what has largely become a war
of attrition.
The U.S. decision came as the Kremlin's army extended its bombardment of the
Kharkiv region and Ukrainian long-range drones struck more fuel and energy
facilities inside Russia.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the U.S. Senate for approving
the $61 billion aid package late Tuesday.
"Ukraine's long-range capabilities, artillery and air defense are extremely
important tools for the quick restoration of a just peace," Zelenskyy said on
the social platform X, referring to the aid Kyiv expects to receive in the
coming weeks and months.
Two Russian S-300 missiles struck Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city
near the northeastern border with Russia, during the night, and another two hit
the Kharkiv region town of Zolochiv, local officials said. They reported no
casualties.
Another missile hit the southern city of Odesa, injuring one woman, Mayor
Hennadii Trukhanov said.
Ukrainian drones, meanwhile, targeted Russian infrastructure, setting ablaze
two energy facilities in the western Smolensk region. Regional head Vasily
Anokhin said the attack struck "civilian fuel and energy facilities" but
provided no further details.
Russia's defense ministry said that eight drones were shot down overnight in
the Belgorod, Smolensk, Kursk and Voronezh regions.
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