The Pentagon on Friday unveiled its biggest assistance package yet for Kyiv, unlocking $6 billion for Patriot missiles, ammunition and other weaponry for the beleaguered Ukrainian military.
The aid is the second package announced in three days, after President Joe Biden on Wednesday signed into law a long-delayed $95 billion foreign aid bill that includes $61 billion for Ukraine.
“This is the largest security assistance package we've committed to date,” Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters as he announced the new $6 billion package.
“Ukraine will have the ability to not only hold its own, but regenerate additional capability and then create options for itself going forward.”
The US is a key military backer for Ukraine and has provided more than $44 billion in security assistance since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Mr Austin said the new package would include air defence interceptors, counter-drone systems, artillery shells and maintenance and sustainment support.
The smaller, $1 billion package unveiled on Wednesday included a longer-range version of a tactical ballistic missile system known as ATACMS, which Ukraine has long desired in a push to strike deeper into occupied territory.
Mr Austin spoke after leading a virtual meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who discussed the need for Patriot missiles at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, which comprises about 50 nations supporting Ukraine.
Mr Austin said that now Ukraine no longer needs to ration its ammunition, a key factor in how well it can defend against Russia's manpower.
“They are doing some additional things to mobilise additional troops to replenish their ranks. I think all of those things are going to come together to put them in a much better place – but it will take a little time,” Mr Austin said.
Mr Biden first requested the additional $61 billion for Ukraine in October but Republicans refused to consider it, wary of handing the President an election year legislative win and amid pressure from far-right Republicans who appear sympathetic towards Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Weapons wanted by Ukraine – in pictures
The specs
A4 35 TFSI
Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder
Transmission: seven-speed S-tronic automatic
Power: 150bhp
Torque: 270Nm
Price: Dh150,000 (estimate)
On sale: First Q 2020
A4 S4 TDI
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel
Transmission: eight-speed PDK automatic
Power: 350bhp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: Dh165,000 (estimate)
On sale: First Q 2020
The five new places of worship
Church of South Indian Parish
St Andrew's Church Mussaffah branch
St Andrew's Church Al Ain branch
St John's Baptist Church, Ruwais
Church of the Virgin Mary and St Paul the Apostle, Ruwais
Getting there
The flights
Flydubai operates up to seven flights a week to Helsinki. Return fares to Helsinki from Dubai start from Dh1,545 in Economy and Dh7,560 in Business Class.
The stay
Golden Crown Igloos in Levi offer stays from Dh1,215 per person per night for a superior igloo; www.leviniglut.net
Panorama Hotel in Levi is conveniently located at the top of Levi fell, a short walk from the gondola. Stays start from Dh292 per night based on two people sharing; www. golevi.fi/en/accommodation/hotel-levi-panorama
Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Rovaniemi offers stays from Dh1,379 per night based on two people sharing; www.arctictreehousehotel.com
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Gulf Under 19s
Pools
A – Dubai College, Deira International School, Al Ain Amblers, Warriors
B – Dubai English Speaking College, Repton Royals, Jumeirah College, Gems World Academy
C – British School Al Khubairat, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Yasmina Academy
D – Dubai Exiles, Jumeirah English Speaking School, English College, Bahrain Colts
Recent winners
2018 – Dubai College
2017 – British School Al Khubairat
2016 – Dubai English Speaking School
2015 – Al Ain Amblers
2014 – Dubai College
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Results
6.30pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-3 Group 1 (PA) US$100,000 (Dirt) 2,000m, Winner Bandar, Fernando Jara (jockey), Majed Al Jahouri (trainer).
7.05pm Meydan Classic Listed (TB) $175,000 (Turf) 1,600m, Winner Well Of Wisdom, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
7.40pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 2,000m, Winner Star Safari, Mickael Barzalona, Charlie Appleby.
8.15pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (D) 1,600m, Winner Moqarrar, Fabrice Veron, Erwan Charpy.
8.50pm Nad Al Sheba Trophy Group 2 (TB) $300,000 (T) 2,810m, Winner Secret Advisor, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
9.25pm Curlin Stakes Listed (TB) $175,000 (D) 2,000m, Winner Parsimony, William Buick, Doug O’Neill.
10pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 2,000m, Winner Simsir, Ronan Whelan, Michael Halford.
10.35pm Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 1,400m, Winner Velorum, Mickael Barzalona, Charlie Appleby.
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The%20Genius%20of%20Their%20Age
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A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
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