Ukraine’s ministry of defence has expressed appreciation to the United States for a fresh military aid package worth up to $250m.

In a post on X, the ministry noted, “We are grateful to the American government and people for their unwavering support.”

“Ukrainian people appreciate your leadership,” it added.

The capabilities in the new package includes additional munitions for NASAMS, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, Air defense system components, Additional ammunition for HIMARS, 155mm and 105mm artillery rounds, TOW missiles, Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems, 15+ million rounds of small arms ammunition, Demolitions munitions for obstacle clearing, Spare parts, medical equipment, maintenance, and other ancillary equipment.

Meanwhile, the U.S State Department urged the Congress to ‘act swiftly’ on aid to Ukraine.

This came after the White House announced what it said was the last remaining package of weapons available under the existing authorisation.

“It is imperative that Congress act swiftly, as soon as possible, to advance our national security interests by helping Ukraine defend itself and secure its future,” the state department said in a statement.

U.S President, Joe Biden, has made support of Ukraine a priority and U.S weapons and financial assistance have been crucial in helping the country contend against Russian troops.

However, rightwing Republicans have led a push to stop the effort.

They have refused to authorise new budget outlays if the Democrats do not agree to tough new measures against illegal migration over the U.S southern border.

Democrats in the Senate, where they hold a narrow majority, tried to push Republicans in December for a last-minute deal, but with little progress the two parties left for the end-of-year holidays.

Congress reconvenes on January 8, 2024.

According to the Ukrainian Army’s General Staff, Russia has lost 356,670 personnel since the beginning of the war till December 28, 2023.

Other losses include 5,940 tanks, 11,015 APVs, 8,391 artillery systems and 6,503 drones.

Ukraine’s air force also said on Thursday that the country’s air defence systems shot down seven out of eight Russia-launched Shahed drones overnight.

Drones were downed in three central and southern regions, the air force said on the Telegram messenger.

It was not clear whether the drone that was not shot down reached its target.

Lavrov Says West’s Strategy To Inflict Strategic Defeat On Russia Has Failed

In other developments, Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov stated that the west’s strategy to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia has “completely failed.”

He stressed that Russia is resolved to achieve its goals in its military operations in Ukraine.

Lavrov said that the G7 countries intend to discuss a “peace formula” proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which they agreed on at a “secret summit” held about 10 days ago.

Also, Lavrov warned that no one worldwide could be certain of escaping unscathed from western machinations in 2024.

Lavrov said, “Storms continue in the world and one of the reasons is that the ruling circles in the west provoke crises thousands of kilometres from their borders in order to resolve their own issues at the expense of other peoples.”

“It can be said that given conditions in which the west is clinging to the domination slipping away from it, no one can be protected against its geopolitical intrigues. There is a growing understanding of this.”
Sergei Lavrov