Biden Sends Military Aid to Ukraine

On Saturday, as Ukraine marked its third Independence Day since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion, both nations exchanged a series of drone, missile, and artillery strikes. In the southern city of Kherson, Russian shelling resulted in the death of a woman and injuries to a man, according to local officials. Ukraine's air force reported intercepting and destroying seven drones, while Russian forces launched missile attacks on Zmiinyi (Snake) Island and conducted aerial bombings across the Kherson region. In response to the ongoing conflict, Russia's Defense Ministry claimed that its air defenses shot down seven drones overnight, with two individuals injured in the Voronezh region. Additionally, drone attacks in the Belgorod region left two people wounded. The situation escalated in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces had recently launched a surprise offensive, prompting Russian air defenses to intercept multiple missiles and drones. Amid the violence, Polish President Andrzej Duda visited Kyiv, emphasizing Poland's steadfast support for Ukraine. His visit coincided with Ukraine's Independence Day, a somber occasion marked by commemorations for those lost in the conflict rather than celebrations. Duda's presence underscores the ongoing alliance between Poland and Ukraine, despite historical tensions. In a show of support, the Biden administration announced a new military aid package for Ukraine, which includes critical weaponry and munitions. President Biden reaffirmed America's commitment to Ukraine during a conversation with President Zelensky, highlighting the resilience of the Ukrainian people in the face of Russian aggression. The U.S. Treasury also imposed additional sanctions on nearly 400 individuals and entities linked to Russia's military operations.