US increases security support for Ukraine, Russia warns

Washington [US], July 31: Russia's ambassador to the US has issued a warning after the Pentagon announced two new security assistance packages totaling $1.7 billion for Ukraine.
The US Department of Defense announced a $200 million security assistance package for Ukraine on July 29. The package aims to provide Ukraine with key capabilities, including air defense missiles, ammunition for rocket and artillery systems, and anti-tank weapons, according to a statement posted on the US Department of Defense website .
According to the announcement, the US Department of Defense will provide a significant support package using approximately $1.5 billion in Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) funds. This support package is intended to help Ukraine enhance its air defense and anti-tank capabilities, as well as maintain equipment that the US has previously sent to Ukraine. "The United States will continue to work with approximately 50 allies and partners to ensure that Ukraine's brave defenders receive the critical capabilities they need to counter Russian aggression," the US Department of Defense emphasized.
Responding to two new US security aid packages for Ukraine, Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov said yesterday (July 30) that Washington is wasting a lot of money on the conflict in Ukraine, while the US national debt has exceeded 35,000 billion USD for the first time in history, according to TASS News Agency.
"The US's provision of weapons to Kyiv cannot change the situation on the battlefield but only prolongs the conflict, causing more casualties, including civilians," Mr. Antonov warned.
Meanwhile, TASS reported yesterday that the Russian Navy has begun planned exercises involving about 300 surface ships, submarines and support vessels, along with 50 aircraft and more than 200 pieces of military equipment. The new drills are aimed at testing military command units of Russia's three fleets, including the Northern, Pacific and Baltic Fleets as well as the Caspian flotilla.
Since launching its military operation in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Russia has conducted numerous exercises alone or with other countries, including China , Iran or South Africa. Over the past two months, Russia has also conducted a series of missile launches capable of carrying nuclear warheads and exercises deploying tactical nuclear weapons, according to Reuters.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper