Russian missile strikes eastern Ukraine market, killing 17

On Wednesday, in eastern Ukraine, a Russian missile struck an open-air market, resulting in the death of 17 individuals and causing injuries to many others. This incident coincided with the return of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Ukraine, bringing over $1 billion in fresh American support for Ukraine, which includes both military and humanitarian assistance.

Blinken’s fourth visit to the country was overshadowed by the strike in the city of Kostiantynivka, near the front line in the Donetsk region, that turned the marketplace into an inferno. It was one of the deadliest bombardments of civilians in the 18-month-old war. In addition to the dead, at least 32 people were wounded.

“Those who know this place are well aware that it is a civilian area,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at a news conference with the Danish prime minister in Kyiv. “There aren’t any military units nearby. The strike was deliberate.”

Russian Missile Attack Highlights Ongoing Need for Support in Ukraine

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said such brutal Russian attacks underscore “the importance of continuing to support the people of Ukraine.”

Blinken’s visit aimed to assess Ukraine’s 3-month-old counteroffensive and signal continued US support. Some Western allies express worries about Kyiv’s slow progress against invading Russian forces.

“We want to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs, not only to succeed in the counteroffensive. But has what it needs for the long-term, to make sure that it has a strong deterrent,” Blinken said. “We’re also determined to continue to work with our partners as they build and rebuild a strong economy, strong democracy.”

About $175 million of the total is in the form of weaponry to be provided from Pentagon stockpiles. Another $100 million is in the form of grants to allow the Ukrainians to purchase additional arms and equipment, according to the State Department.

Comprehensive Aid Package for Ukraine Unveiled by Blinken

Noting progress in the counteroffensive, Blinken said the new aid “will help sustain it and build further momentum.” He said the new military assistance would be bolstered by the arrival of US Abrams tanks in the fall and the training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets to complement training in Europe.

In addition to the military assistance, Blinken announced nearly $805 million in non-arms-related aid for Ukraine. It included $300 million for law enforcement, $206 million in humanitarian aid, $203 million to combat corruption. Along with $90.5 million for removing mines, the State Department said.

The package also includes a previously announced $5.4 million transfer to Ukraine of frozen Russian oligarch assets.

The aid announced by Blinken comes from money previously approved by Congress. President Joe Biden has requested another $21 billion in military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine. It is for the final months of 2023, but it’s not clear how much — if any — will be approved.

Numerous Republican legislators are cautious about extending further assistance. The leading contender for the party’s presidential nomination, former President Donald Trump, has voiced disapproval of US financial backing. Additionally, public opinion polls indicate a diminishing level of support for the war among the American populace.