The United States has provided a new military aid package to Ukraine, valued at $61 billion, in response to the ongoing conflict with Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for this support, which aims to replenish essential supplies for Ukrainian forces amidst a challenging war of attrition. This assistance follows a period of intense combat in eastern Ukraine where Russian advances have been reported, alongside continued bombardments in the Kharkiv region and Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Russian energy facilities.

Concurrently, a series of drone attacks targeted Russian oil refineries and industrial sites in Voronezh, Smolensk, and Lipetsk, leading to significant explosions and fires. These attacks prompted heightened alert levels in the affected regions. Reports from Voronezh noted a considerable explosion at an oil refinery, despite air defence efforts that successfully intercepted four drones. Additional drone-induced fires were reported at fuel and energy facilities in Smolensk and at the Lipetsk Tractor Plant, which manufactures military vehicle chassis.

The provision of U.S. aid to Ukraine is seen as a crucial bolster to the Ukrainian military efforts, intended to help resist further Russian territorial advancements and protect civilian areas. This ongoing support comes despite recent political delays in Washington that temporarily held back aid distribution. The conflict continues to escalate with both sides engaging in continued military operations against each other’s territories and infrastructure.