The United States Congress approves an 886 billion dollar defense budget for 2024, marking a three percent increase compared to the 2023 budget. This spending bill also extends a controversial electronic foreign surveillance system used by US intelligence agencies. The Senate has already voted on the budget, which includes funds to bolster the US deterrence and defense posture in the Indo-Pacific region and counter growing Chinese influence, as well as providing for the extension of military aid to Ukraine and gradual disbursement of 300 million dollars to Kiev, though significantly less than the separate 61 billion dollars requested by President Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky[1].
Meanwhile, Estonia supports Ukraine in its fight against Russia with further military aid worth 80 million euros. This aid package, as explained by Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur, includes Javelin anti-tank missiles, machine guns, ammunition for light weapons, various vehicles and ships, diving equipment, and other necessities[2]. Estonia, which shares a border with Russia, is one of Ukraine's most significant supporters.
In related news, the European Union opens accession talks with Ukraine and the neighboring country Moldova. This decision was reached by the heads of state and government in Brussels, with Georgia now having the status of a candidate country[3].
Russian air force attacks western Ukraine with hypersonic missiles, targeting a military airport in the Khmelnytskyi region. Ukrainian air defense was briefly active over the capital Kiev, but there is no immediate information available about any casualties or damage[1].
The Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office has initiated criminal proceedings for the alleged abuse of Ukrainian prisoners of war as human shields by the Russian military. This action follows a 19-minute drone video published by the US-funded Radio Liberty, showing a group of men in Russian army uniforms using unarmed Ukrainians as cover[1].
In many sections of the front, Ukrainian armed forces are on the defensive against fierce Russian attacks. Commander Zhydkov mentioned that it is difficult to hold their positions, as tank guns sometimes run so hot that they have to rest[1].
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky implores the EU summit to expedite the accession negotiations and avoid deceiving the people. He emphasizes that any positive action at the meeting should be accepted by the Ukrainian public[1].
Sources: [1] [2] [3]
