In Ukraine

Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed Thursday the "urgent" need for the U.S. Congress to pass a new military aid package for Kiev as he met Ukraine's foreign minister.

Blinken held talks with Dmytro Kuleba during a meeting of ministers from the Group of Seven countries — Italy, France, Germany, the UK, the U.S., Japan and Canada — in the Italian island of Capri.

European leaders have reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to Ukraine, pledging urgent assistance to bolster the nation's defense capabilities. The assurances came during a high-level meeting in Brussels, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed European leaders via video link, highlighting the pressing need for enhanced security measures in the face of escalating tensions.

Tensions in the Black Sea region have escalated, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as NATO announces plans to bolster its military presence, with a new base set to be established in Bulgaria.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has once again called for robust Western support in the face of Russia's ongoing invasion of his country, drawing parallels with the international backing received by Israel during times of conflict. Zelensky's plea for solidarity came in the wake of escalating Russian attacks and mounting challenges in defending Ukrainian territories.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged allies on Monday to show the same "unity" towards Ukraine as Israel, which said it repelled an Iranian attack over the weekend with Western support.

Ukraine has in recent months grown increasingly frustrated at delays in Western aid, including air defences it says are urgently needed to repel deadly Russian attacks.

Amidst escalating tensions in the Black Sea region, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivered a message of solidarity to allies, emphasizing the unwavering support of the United States. Speaking at the Second Black Sea Security Conference in Sofia, Blinken underscored the crucial role of investing in the security of the Black Sea to ensure peace and freedom in the region and Europe.

China has surged sales to Russia of machine tools, microelectronics and other technology that Moscow in turn is using to produce missiles, tanks, aircraft and other weaponry for use in its war against Ukraine, according to a U.S. assessment.

In a significant move to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities, Norway has announced plans to transfer 22 F-16 fighter jets to the Eastern European nation, according to reports from Nettavisen. The decision, authorized by Washington, underscores international support for Ukraine amidst its ongoing war with Russia.

As NATO commemorates its 75th anniversary, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reaffirmed the alliance's unwavering commitment to Ukraine during a high-level meeting in Brussels.

Russian strikes on Ukraine's southern Zaporizhzhia region killed three people on Monday, in a second day of deadly attacks on the area, its governor said.

The strike on the rural area came a day after three people were killed in a Russian attack on the town of Gulyaipole.