Washington: The White House has announced that it will send $72.5 million worth of new weapons and other military aid to Ukraine. The announcement followed NATO’s offer of weapons and air defense systems as Russia stepped up its offensive, including in Kiev.
The new package includes Himmers rockets. The US has already sent 20 Himars to Ukraine. And 18 more have been promised. Last week, the British government said it would supply missiles for advanced NASA anti-aircraft systems the Pentagon plans to send to Ukraine.
Britain is also sending hundreds of drones and 18 howitzer cannons. Germany has sent the first of four Iris-T air defense systems offered. France offered more artillery, anti-aircraft systems and missiles. The Netherlands will send missiles. Canada plans to send winter equipment, drone cameras and satellite communications.
Meanwhile, a major energy center in Kiev was severely damaged by a Russian missile attack. However, Kyiv Region Governor Oleksiy Kuleba said no one was injured. Russian shelling killed two civilians in the Dnipropetrovsk region, Governor Valentin Reznichenko said. He said the shelling of the city of Nikopol, located across the Dniper River from the Russian-controlled Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, destroyed many buildings, stores and transportation facilities.