USA set to announce $275 million military aid pack for Ukraine
United States are about to announce $275 million in military aid to Ukraine on May 24 which will include HIMARS MLRS, 155mm and 105mm shells, other military equipment, reported Associated Press referencing two unnamed American officials on May 23.
According to AP, the new package was announced following a meeting of 50 defense ministers from Europe and other regions, who regularly convene to discuss further military support for Ukraine.
During the meeting, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said that Ukraine is in a “moment of challenge” due to a possible Russian offensive on Kharkiv.
He also promised to continue providing weapons “week after week.”
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They noted that administration of President Joe Biden wants to return to previous schedule of military aid for Ukraine. Previously, US sent weapons to Ukraine every two weeks.
Russian offensive in Kharkiv Oblast
On May 10, Russian forces attempted to breach Ukraine's defenses near Vovchansk in Kharkiv Oblast, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. Ukrainian forces successfully repelled the attacks.
At the same time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russian troops had launched a new counteroffensive in the area.
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Monitoring groups noted that several villages in northern Kharkiv Oblast were occupied.
Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, described the situation in Kharkiv Oblast as "escalating". He stated that Russian troops had extended the active combat zone by 70 km.
Khortytsia Strategic and Operational Group of Troops spokesman said that Ukrainian Armed Forces had managed to stabilize the situation in Vovchansk, on May 21.
According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), as of May 23, Ukraine had recaptured some territory in Vovchansk.
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