International
The US unblocks $6 billion in aid to Ukraine for Patriot missiles and drones
The Secretary of Defense of the United States, Lloyd Austin, announced on Friday that he will release $6 billion in military aid to Ukraine to increase Kiev’s access to Patriot missiles and drones that allow us to respond to Russian advances on the eastern front.
Austin made this announcement at a press conference at the close of a meeting of Ramstein’s group, in which the United States confirmed that the first 1 billion new military aid to Ukraine is on its way.
The head of the Pentagon assured that the United States will urgently send ammunition for HIMARS batteries to Ukraine, which allows Russian positions to be attacked far from the front, 155-millimeter advanced artillery ammunition and air defense systems in armored vehicles.
“I am delighted to be able to announce an additional $6 billion commitment for Ukraine’s security assistance initiative. That will allow us to procure new capabilities for Ukraine from the US industry. This is the largest aid package committed today,” Austin said.
That new military aid will include Patriot missile batteries and ground-to-air defenses, plus a defense system against drones and “a significant amount of artillery ammunition, air-to-ground ammunition and maintenance support,” Austin said.
According to the head of the Pentagon, the help of the members of Ramstein’s group “has saved countless Ukrainian lives” with commitments that are already around 95 billion dollars and the coalition of these 50 countries remains “strong” in its support of Kiev.
Austin also said that the group is also working on creating a “self-sufficient” Ukrainian Army capable of containing Russia in the long term.
“The result in Ukraine will determine the trajectory of our days. If (Vladimir) Putin remains and wins in Ukraine, the consequences will be serious and global,” Austin said.
Today’s announcements of new military aid to Ukraine come after US President Joe Biden signed a law this week to progressively give Ukraine $61 billion in military aid and loans.
Today, at the beginning of the meeting, Austin announced that the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and the Czech Republic will send artillery, Patriot and HIMARS batteries to Ukraine urgently.
“If Ukraine succumbs under the boot of (Vladimir) Putin, Europe will fall under its shadow. That’s why we are determined to dissuade Russia from any new aggression, including NATO allies,” he said.
Austin praised the decision of the Czech Republic to send thousands of artillery pieces; the decision of the United Kingdom to approve a military aid package of 620 million dollars and the donation by Germany of another Patriot missile system.
The head of the Pentagon reiterated that right now the most perentory need for Ukraine is to improve its anti-aircraft defenses to prevent Russia from taking over air hegemony in key parts of Ukrainian territory.
In a recorded message, the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, said that Ukraine needs “at least seven Patriot batteries” and “urgently” missiles and more artillery to face Russia.
“It must be remembered that predatory regimes such as Russian are rapidly increasing their appetite for aggression. When they succeed in one part of the world, problems are created in other places and the aggression will spread and will not stop,” Zelenski said.
International
U.S. Senate Rejects Budget, Bringing Government Closer to Shutdown Amid DHS Dispute
The U.S. Senate voted on Thursday against a budget proposal in a move aimed at pressuring changes at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), following the killing of two civilians during a deployment of immigration agents in Minneapolis.
All Senate Democrats and seven Republican lawmakers voted against the bill, which requires 60 votes to advance, pushing the country closer to a partial government shutdown that would cut funding for several agencies, including the Pentagon and the Department of Health.
The rejection came as Senate leaders and the White House continue negotiations on a separate funding package for DHS that would allow reforms to the agency. Proposed measures include banning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from wearing face coverings and requiring them to use body-worn cameras during operations.
The vote took place just hours after President Donald Trump said he was “close” to reaching an agreement with Democrats and did not believe the federal government would face another shutdown, following last year’s record stoppage.
“I don’t think the Democrats want a shutdown either, so we’ll work in a bipartisan way to avoid it. Hopefully, there will be no government shutdown. We’re working on that right now,” Trump said during a Cabinet meeting at the White House.
International
Trump Says Putin Agreed to One-Week Halt in Attacks on Ukraine Amid Extreme Cold
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he secured a commitment from Russian President Vladimir Putinto halt attacks against Ukraine for one week, citing extreme weather conditions affecting the region.
“Because of the extreme cold (…) I personally asked Putin not to attack Kyiv or other cities and towns for a week. And he agreed. He was very pleasant,” Trump said during a Cabinet meeting broadcast by the White House.
Trump acknowledged that several advisers had questioned the decision to make the call.
“A lot of people told me not to waste the call because they wouldn’t agree. And he accepted. And we’re very happy they did, because they don’t need missiles hitting their towns and cities,” the president said.
According to Trump, Ukrainian authorities reacted with surprise to the announcement but welcomed the possibility of a temporary ceasefire.
“It’s extraordinarily cold, record cold (…) They say they’ve never experienced cold like this,” he added.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later commented on the announcement, expressing hope that the agreement would be honored.
International
Storm Kristin Kills Five in Portugal, Leaves Nearly 500,000 Without Power
Storm Kristin, which battered Portugal with heavy rain and strong winds early Wednesday, has left at least five people dead, while nearly half a million residents remained without electricity as of Thursday, according to updated figures from authorities.
The revised death toll was confirmed to AFP by a spokesperson for the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANPEC). On Wednesday, the agency had reported four fatalities.
Meanwhile, E-Redes, the country’s electricity distribution network operator, said that around 450,000 customers were still without power, particularly in central Portugal.
Emergency services responded to approximately 1,500 incidents between midnight and 8:00 a.m. local time on Wednesday, as the storm caused widespread disruptions.
The Portuguese government described Kristin as an “extreme weather event” that inflicted significant damage across several regions of the country. At the height of the storm, as many as 850,000 households and institutions lost electricity during the early hours of Wednesday.
Several municipalities ordered the closure of schools, many of which remained shut on Thursday due to ongoing adverse conditions.
Ricardo Costa, regional deputy commander of the Leiria Fire Brigade, said residents continue to seek assistance as rainfall persists.
“Even though the rain is not extremely intense, it is causing extensive damage to homes,” he noted.
In Figueira da Foz, a coastal city in central Portugal, strong winds toppled a giant Ferris wheel, underscoring the severity of the storm.
Costa Rica Goes to the Polls as Voters Choose Continuity or Change
U.S. and Guatemala Sign Trade Deal Granting Zero Tariffs to Most Exports
Panama Supreme Court Strikes Down Panama Ports Concession as Unconstitutional
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
-
International4 days agoU.S. Senate Rejects Budget, Bringing Government Closer to Shutdown Amid DHS Dispute
-
International5 days agoFootball Fan Killed in Clashes After Colombian League Match
-
Central America5 days agoGuatemala President Says Starlink Terminal Found Inside Prison
-
International5 days agoMissing Spanish Sailor Rescued After 11 Days Adrift in Mediterranean
-
International5 days agoRubio Says U.S. Could Participate in Follow-Up Russia-Ukraine Talks
-
Central America3 days agoPanama Supreme Court Strikes Down Panama Ports Concession as Unconstitutional
-
International4 days agoStorm Kristin Kills Five in Portugal, Leaves Nearly 500,000 Without Power
-
Central America3 days agoU.S. and Guatemala Sign Trade Deal Granting Zero Tariffs to Most Exports
-
International4 days agoMan Arrested After Vehicle Crashes Into Jewish Institution in Brooklyn
-
International4 days agoTrump Says Putin Agreed to One-Week Halt in Attacks on Ukraine Amid Extreme Cold
-
Central America15 hours agoCosta Rica Goes to the Polls as Voters Choose Continuity or Change