US to give heavier weapons to Ukraine as Russia plans next assault | Top points on Day 50
India Today
The US has promised to continue sending military aid to Ukraine as Russia prepares to intensify its attack in the Donbas region. Here's all you need to know on Day 50 of the Russia-Ukraine war.
As the Ukraine-Russia war enters day 50, United States President Joe Biden said the US will continue to provide Ukraine with the capabilities to defend itself. The new military aid will include helicopters and howitzers.
The US is also planning to send a top-level official to meet Zelensky in Ukraine to show further support. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris remain candidates to represent the US, but it is more likely an official like Secretary of State Antony Blinken or Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will visit Kyiv.
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For the first time since the invasion, the US is providing Ukraine with heavy weapons with high-power capabilities. This is not only driven by Ukraine's request but also as a response to Russia's plans to intensify its attack in southeast Ukraine.
The package will include 11 Mi-17 helicopters, 18 155 mm Howitzer cannons, 300 more Switchblade drones and radar systems capable of tracking incoming fire and pinpointing its origin, as per a report in CNN.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he's “sincerely thankful” to the US for the new round of $800 million in military assistance. In his daily late-night address to the nation, Zelenskyy also said he was thankful for Wednesday's visit by the presidents of Poland, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia.
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