House of Representatives

The US Senate has overwhelmingly approved a substantial aid package totaling 95 billion USD, aimed at supporting key American allies, including Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The largest portion of the package, 61 billion USD, is earmarked for Ukraine, while Israel will receive 26 billion USD, with 9 billion USD designated for humanitarian aid in Gaza.

Reports emerged last night of renewed Russian missile fire targeting the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, intensifying fears of escalating conflict in the region. The barrage of rockets resulted in loud explosions and caused minor injuries to two individuals, Mayor Igor Terekhov confirmed.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken next week will pay his second visit in less than a year to China, hoping to use easing tension to press Beijing to curb wartime support for Russia.

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.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin promised Tuesday that the United States will not let Ukraine fail, even as further aid remains stalled in Congress and Kiev's forces face shortages of munitions.

US Senator Lindsey Graham expressed confidence that Congress will soon approve an aid package for Ukraine, albeit likely in the form of a low-interest loan rather than grants. Graham, who met with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, supported releasing funding but emphasized the need to consider domestic US concerns, such as border security.

U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Tuesday a $300 million emergency weapons package to prop up Ukraine while Congress blocks further aid, as Poland's leaders visited the White House to warn of the growing threat from Russia.

Türkiye is moving closer to acquiring a fleet of F-16 fighter jets from the United States as the draft offer and acceptance letters have been officially received, according to a defense ministry official.

Amid the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, the US Department of Defense is contemplating allocating up to $4 billion in military assistance to Ukraine, despite uncertainties regarding congressional reimbursement.