U.S. sending more aid to Ukraine

… the United States is providing another $1 billion in security assistance for Ukraine …

United States President Joseph Biden announcing additional military aid after Russian forces reportedly targeted an ammunition depot in western Ukraine.

• Recently, Russia has focused most its military efforts in the Donbas — the eastern region of Ukraine, much of which contained already-contested areas and was controlled by Russian-backed separatists. However, on Wednesday the Russian military said it destroyed a depot in western Ukraine which contained ammunition for weapons supplied to Ukraine by NATO countries (Ukraine is not a member of NATO). The destroyed ammunition included shells for U.S.-supplied M777 howitzers.
• The area of the Lviv region where the depot was hit is around two hours from Ukraine’s border with NATO member Poland.
• On Tuesday, in his nightly video address, Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke of the loss of life in eastern Ukraine: “The losses, unfortunately, are painful, but we have to hold out. The more losses the enemy suffers there, the less strength it will have to continue the aggression. Therefore, the Donbas is key to determining who will dominate in the coming weeks.”

Why It Matters: In response to Russia’s targeting of the depot in western Ukraine, the U.S. is providing Ukraine with the “largest single tranche of weapons and equipment since the war began” nearly four months ago. In this particular aid package, the U.S. will be sending “additional artillery and coastal defense weapons, as well as ammunition for the artillery and advanced rocket systems that the Ukrainians need to support their defensive operations in the Donbas,” Pres. Biden said.

Pres. Biden also announced an additional $225 million in humanitarian aid “to help people inside Ukraine, including by supplying safe drinking water, critical medical supplies and health care, food, shelter, and cash for families to purchase essential items.”

In a recent update on the refugee situation in Ukraine, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reports: “The escalation of conflict in Ukraine has caused casualties and destruction of civilian infrastructure, forcing people to flee their homes seeking safety, protection and assistance. Millions of refugees from Ukraine have crossed borders into neighboring countries, and many more have been forced to move inside the country.”

Statement by President Joe Biden on Support for Ukraine and Call with the President of Zelenskyy of Ukraine (The White House)

Biden to send Ukraine more weapons; Russia targets depot (Associated Press)

What is NATO? (SmartHER News)

RUSSIAN OFFENSIVE CAMPAIGN ASSESSMENT, JUNE 14 (Institute for the Study of War)