Ukrainian Thanks US for Military Aid   04/24 06:07

   

   KYIV, Ukraine (AP) -- Ukrainian officials on Wednesday expressed thanks for 
a fresh batch of U.S. military aid that threw Kyiv's armed forces a lifeline in 
their more than two-year war with Russia, even though the vital new supplies 
aren't expected to have an immediate impact on the battlefield.

   Ukrainian troops have faced acute shortages of shells and air defense 
systems as political quarrels in Washington held up the aid for months, 
allowing the Kremlin's forces to edge forward in some parts of eastern Ukraine 
by sheer weight of troop numbers and firepower in what has largely become a war 
of attrition.

   The U.S. decision came as the Kremlin's army extended its bombardment of the 
Kharkiv region and Ukrainian long-range drones struck more fuel and energy 
facilities inside Russia.

   Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the U.S. Senate for approving 
the $61 billion aid package late Tuesday.

   "Ukraine's long-range capabilities, artillery and air defense are extremely 
important tools for the quick restoration of a just peace," Zelenskyy said on 
the social platform X, referring to the aid Kyiv expects to receive in the 
coming weeks and months.

   Two Russian S-300 missiles struck Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city 
near the northeastern border with Russia, during the night, and another two hit 
the Kharkiv region town of Zolochiv, local officials said. They reported no 
casualties.

   Another missile hit the southern city of Odesa, injuring one woman, Mayor 
Hennadii Trukhanov said.

   Ukrainian drones, meanwhile, targeted Russian infrastructure, setting ablaze 
two energy facilities in the western Smolensk region. Regional head Vasily 
Anokhin said the attack struck "civilian fuel and energy facilities" but 
provided no further details.

   Russia's defense ministry said that eight drones were shot down overnight in 
the Belgorod, Smolensk, Kursk and Voronezh regions.