During a surprise visit to Kiev, the head of American diplomacy announced new military and financial aid for Ukraine.
New aid is intended to “give impetus” to the Ukrainian counteroffensive. From Kiev, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said his country would provide Ukraine with around $1 billion in financial and military support. This aid package includes anti-tank ammunition, but also funds to support civil security, humanitarian operations and even demining. Franceinfo summarizes the most important developments on the Ukrainian front.
At least 17 people are killed in a Russian attack on a Ukrainian market
At least 17 civilians were killed in a Russian attack on a market in Kostiantynivka in eastern Ukraine on Wednesday. “Russian terrorists specifically targeted the market” when there was no military target nearby, accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. It was a “despicable attack” against “a war-torn community,” denounced the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Denise Brown. Early in the morning, a Russian explosive drone had already killed one person in the Odessa region (southwest), where the port infrastructure necessary for wheat exports is regularly hit.
Washington delivers depleted uranium ammunition to Kiev
The United States has announced that the country will supply Ukraine with ammunition made from depleted uranium, a very dense metal that can penetrate the armor of certain vehicles. The Pentagon, which brings together American defense institutions, said the ammunition was part of a new aid package estimated at $175 million. This metal is much less radioactive than traditional uranium, but is debated regarding its toxicity to soldiers and civilians in conflict zones. The United Kingdom had already announced in March 2023 that it wanted to deliver such ammunition to Ukraine.
Ukraine has a new defense minister
The Ukrainian parliament has appointed Roustem Oumerov as defense chief on the recommendation of Volodymyr Zelensky. At 41, the former head of the State Property Fund, which oversees privatizations, will now be responsible for procuring more weapons for the army. His predecessor, Oleksiï Reznikov, had to resign from his post after several corruption scandals.
Volodymyr Zelensky warns of a “difficult” winter
Ukraine’s president has warned his government and allies of a “difficult winter.” “We are glad that we are not alone in overcoming this challenge. We will do it together with our partners,” the Ukrainian leader said, thanking the United States for material support to the country’s energy sector, which was badly hit by Russian attacks in 2022.