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.

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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.

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“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.

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International

US panel backs Trump-themed coin amid controversy

The United States Department of the Treasury confirmed to AFP that the Commission of Fine Arts approved the design of a new collectible coin featuring Donald Trump, with members of the commission appointed by the current administration.

According to the proposal, the coin will feature an image of Trump standing with clenched fists over a desk on the obverse, while the reverse will display an eagle, a traditional symbol of the United States.

The sale price of the collectible has not yet been disclosed, although the United States Mint typically offers similar items for more than $1,000.

“There is no more iconic portrait for the front of these coins than that of our president Donald Trump,” U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach said in a statement sent to AFP. He added that two additional coins — a $1 piece and a one-ounce gold coin — are also under consideration.

However, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC), another body responsible for reviewing new coin proposals, declined to discuss the Trump design in late February.

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“Only nations governed by kings or dictators place the image of a sitting leader on their currency,” said Donald Scarinciat the time. “No country in the world has minted coins featuring a democratically elected leader during their term in office,” he added.

When contacted by AFP, the Treasury Department did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.

International

Fed’s Waller warns of rising inflation risks amid Middle East conflict

Christopher Waller, a governor at the Federal Reserve, said Friday that he is increasingly concerned about the inflationary impact of the ongoing conflict involving United States and Israel against Iran, particularly due to the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Waller, who had supported interest rate cuts over the past year amid concerns about the labor market, said he has shifted his stance in recent weeks due to rising inflation risks.

“Since the Strait of Hormuz was closed, it suggests this conflict could be much more prolonged and that oil prices will remain elevated for longer,” Waller said in an interview with CNBC.

“Therefore, this indicates that inflation is a greater concern than I had previously assessed,” he added.

Waller also backed the Federal Reserve’s decision earlier this week to keep interest rates unchanged, signaling a more cautious approach as global geopolitical tensions continue to affect economic outlooks.

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International

Brazil offers to mediate Colombia-Ecuador tensions, calls for restraint

The government of Brazil has offered to mediate in the ongoing tensions between Colombia and Ecuador, while calling on both nations to exercise restraint.

In a statement released Wednesday, Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the parties involved to act with moderation and seek a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

“Brazil encourages all sides to act with moderation in order to find a peaceful solution to the controversy. It stands ready to support dialogue efforts aimed at preserving peace and security in the region,” the statement said.

Brazil also expressed “serious concern” over reports of deaths in the border area between Colombia and Ecuador, noting that the circumstances surrounding the incidents have not yet been clarified.

The diplomatic move comes amid rising tensions between the neighboring countries, increasing regional concern over stability and security along their shared border.