Amid the presence of the North Korean military in Russia, the United States announced another aid package to Ukraine worth $425 million to strengthen its military capabilities against Russia.&nbsp;

The US Department of State released a statement on Friday (Nov 1) saying the US is providing the "significant package of urgently needed weapons" to Ukraine that includes Stinger missiles, air-to-ground munitions, and additional munitions for National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) along with others.&nbsp;

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"The Department of Defense (DoD) announced additional security assistance to meet Ukraine's critical security and defence needs. This announcement is the Biden Administration's sixty-ninth tranche of equipment to be provided from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021," the official statement said.&nbsp;

It further added, "This Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) package, which has an estimated value of $425 million, will provide Ukraine additional capabilities to meet its most urgent needs, including air defence interceptors; munitions for rocket systems and artillery; armoured vehicles; and anti-tank weapons."&nbsp;

The announcement of the aid came after the state secretary Antony Blinken said that as many as 10,000 North Korean troops were transferred to Russia, including 8,000 positioned in the Kursk region.&nbsp;

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"We now assess that there are some 10,000 North Korean soldiers in total in Russia. Recent information indicates that as many as 8,000 of those North Korean forces have been deployed in the Kursk region. We have not yet seen these troops deployed in the combat against Ukrainian forces but we expect that to happen in the coming days," Blinken said.

He further revealed&nbsp;Russia has been training the North Korean troops to use them in the frontline operations.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the presence of the North Korean military in Russia, the United States announced another aid package to Ukraine worth $425 million to strengthen its military capabilities against Russia.

Amid the presence of the North Korean military in Russia, the United States announced another aid package to Ukraine worth $425 million to strengthen its military capabilities against Russia. The US Department of State released a statement on Friday (Nov 1) saying the US is providing the "significant package of urgently needed weapons" to Ukraine that includes Stinger missiles, air-to-ground munitions, and additional munitions for National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) along with others. Also read | US presidential election: Washington state activates National Guard amid poll violence concerns "The Department of Defense (DoD) announced additional security assistance to meet Ukraine's critical security and defence needs. This announcement is the Biden Administration's sixty-ninth tranche of equipment to be provided from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021," the official statement said. It further added, "This Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) package, which has an estimated value of $425 million, will provide Ukraine additional capabilities to meet its most urgent needs, including air defence interceptors; munitions for rocket systems and artillery; armoured vehicles; and anti-tank weapons." The announcement of the aid came after the state secretary Antony Blinken said that as many as 10,000 North Korean troops were transferred to Russia, including 8,000 positioned in the Kursk region. Also read | US to deploy additional military assets to West Asia in warning to Iran "We now assess that there are some 10,000 North Korean soldiers in total in Russia. Recent information indicates that as many as 8,000 of those North Korean forces have been deployed in the Kursk region. We have not yet seen these troops deployed in the combat against Ukrainian forces but we expect that to happen in the coming days," Blinken said. He further revealed Russia has been training the North Korean troops to use them in the frontline operations. (With inputs from agencies)

US announces another $425 million aid to Ukraine, amid North Korean troops in Russia

Spain on Monday (May 27) pledged to provide military aid to Ukraine worth 1 billion euros ($1.08 billion) in 2024 under a security deal signed between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Madrid.

The deal "includes a commitment for one billion euros in military aid for 2024," Sanchez told a joint press conference.

"It will allow Ukraine to boost its capabilities including its essential air defence systems to protect its civilians, cities and infrastructure which are still suffering indiscriminate attacks as seen this weekend in Kharkiv," he said, referring to a Russian strike on the northeastern city that killed at least 16 people.

Zelensky's visit comes as Ukraine battles Russia's ground offensive in the Kharkiv region which started on May 10.

Sanchez stated that Spain had already vowed to provide Ukraine with Patriot missiles, however, what Zelensky needed from Ukraine's allies was "the systems to launch these missiles".

"That's what he working on with different allies to see exactly how many we can send to guarantee this aerial security."

Spain would also send "another batch of Leopard tanks and above all ammunition," Sanchez said, pledging to keep working with Kyiv "to understand how else -- and with what other alternative systems -- we can help ensure Ukraine's air security."

Sanchez, elucidating on the security deal said that it would cover several issues from "military, humanitarian and financial support, to collaboration between Spanish and Ukrainian defence industries, as well as help with reconstruction and de-mining among other things". &nbsp;&nbsp;

Zelensky has previously signed bilateral security agreements with countries including France, Germany and the UK.&nbsp;

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As the Russian aggression entered its third year, Ukraine has pleaded for more arms and ammunition for its troops.

<h2>Russian strike on hardware store in Kharkiv kills 14</h2>

Meanwhile, the death toll from a Russian strike on a hardware superstore in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv rose to 14, said the regional governor, on Sunday (May 26). Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the daylight attack on an “obviously civilian” target.&nbsp;

"The number of dead has grown to 14," said Synegubov, adding that nearly 200 rescuers worked at the scene.&nbsp;

Earlier, Synegubov had said that six people had “died on the spot,” 40 were wounded and 16 were missing after two guided Russian bombs hit the store. The death toll was later revised to 11.&nbsp;

In a video on the messaging app, Synegubov said that two of those killed “were men who worked in the hypermarket”.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Spain on Monday (May 27) pledged to provide military aid to Ukraine worth 1 billion euros ($1.08 billion) in 2024 under a security deal signed between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Madrid.

Spain on Monday (May 27) pledged to provide military aid to Ukraine worth 1 billion euros ($1.08 billion) in 2024 under a security deal signed between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Madrid. The deal "includes a commitment for one billion euros in military aid for 2024," Sanchez told a joint press conference. "It will allow Ukraine to boost its capabilities including its essential air defence systems to protect its civilians, cities and infrastructure which are still suffering indiscriminate attacks as seen this weekend in Kharkiv," he said, referring to a Russian strike on the northeastern city that killed at least 16 people. Zelensky's visit comes as Ukraine battles Russia's ground offensive in the Kharkiv region which started on May 10. Sanchez stated that Spain had already vowed to provide Ukraine with Patriot missiles, however, what Zelensky needed from Ukraine's allies was "the systems to launch these missiles". "That's what he working on with different allies to see exactly how many we can send to guarantee this aerial security." Spain would also send "another batch of Leopard tanks and above all ammunition," Sanchez said, pledging to keep working with Kyiv "to understand how else -- and with what other alternative systems -- we can help ensure Ukraine's air security." Sanchez, elucidating on the security deal said that it would cover several issues from "military, humanitarian and financial support, to collaboration between Spanish and Ukrainian defence industries, as well as help with reconstruction and de-mining among other things". Zelensky has previously signed bilateral security agreements with countries including France, Germany and the UK. Also read: Russia bombs DIY store in Ukraine’s Kharkiv, Zelensky says ‘over 200’ feared inside As the Russian aggression entered its third year, Ukraine has pleaded for more arms and ammunition for its troops. Russian strike on hardware store in Kharkiv kills 14 Meanwhile, the death toll from a Russian strike on a hardware superstore in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv rose to 14, said the regional governor, on Sunday (May 26). Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the daylight attack on an “obviously civilian” target. "The number of dead has grown to 14," said Synegubov, adding that nearly 200 rescuers worked at the scene. Earlier, Synegubov had said that six people had “died on the spot,” 40 were wounded and 16 were missing after two guided Russian bombs hit the store. The death toll was later revised to 11. In a video on the messaging app, Synegubov said that two of those killed “were men who worked in the hypermarket”. (With inputs from agencies)

Spain pledges 1 billion in military aid to Ukraine, signs bilateral defence deal

The new government of Slovakia on Wednesday (Nov 8) cancelled the last military aid package worth €40.3 million ($43.07 million) to Ukraine which was finalised by the previous administration. 
 
"The government doesn't approve the proposal for the donation of military equipment to Ukraine," stated the government, in a resolution which was adopted on Wednesday. 
 
It had pledged earlier to stop arms deliveries to the war-torn country. Earlier, the government had decided to provide Ukraine with rockets and ammunition, however, incoming Prime Minister Robert Fico took a pledge to stop any military aid to Kyiv as it battles the Russian invasion.

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The aid package for Ukraine included more than 5,000 pieces of 125 mm cannon ammunition, 140 KUB air defence system rockets and 4 million rounds of small arms ammunition, as per the deal which was proposed by the caretaker government of the NATO country before it handed over power last month. 
 
The government led by Fico rejected the package during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, as per the government's website.

<h2>Slovakia stops shipments from army stores to Ukraine</h2>

Fico had led a campaign in which he had criticised the Western nations for providing military support to Ukraine and pressing sanctions against Russia. He had also supported peace talks, which was also propagated by Hungary's leader Viktor Orban. However, it was rejected by Ukraine. 
 
The election was won by Fico's leftist SMER-SSD party on September 30 after which it formed a ruling coalition with the nationalist SNS and centre-left HLAS parties.

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Fico repeatedly stated that the country will stop shipments from army stores to Ukraine, however, he recently clarified that the private business deals will remain unaffected. 
 
The country had staunchly supported Ukraine and military equipment which included the S-300 air defence system and MiG-29 jets were supplied by a previous centre-right government. 
 
Slovakia, which shares its eastern border with Ukraine, had provided military aid in 13 packages which were worth €671 million to Ukraine since Russia launched an attack on Ukraine in February 2022 before the appointment of Fico. 
 
The diplomats stated that army stocks have been depleted largely so a cancellation of official military aid is likely to have limited impact.

(With inputs from agencies)

The new government of Slovakia on Wednesday (Nov 8) cancelled the last military aid package worth €40.3 million ($43.07 million) to Ukraine which was finalised by the previous administration.

The new government of Slovakia on Wednesday (Nov 8) cancelled the last military aid package worth €40.3 million ($43.07 million) to Ukraine which was finalised by the previous administration. "The government doesn't approve the proposal for the donation of military equipment to Ukraine," stated the government, in a resolution which was adopted on Wednesday. It had pledged earlier to stop arms deliveries to the war-torn country. Earlier, the government had decided to provide Ukraine with rockets and ammunition, however, incoming Prime Minister Robert Fico took a pledge to stop any military aid to Kyiv as it battles the Russian invasion. ALSO READ | Mikhail Filiponenko: Russia-backed politician killed in car bomb attack in eastern Ukraine The aid package for Ukraine included more than 5,000 pieces of 125 mm cannon ammunition, 140 KUB air defence system rockets and 4 million rounds of small arms ammunition, as per the deal which was proposed by the caretaker government of the NATO country before it handed over power last month. The government led by Fico rejected the package during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, as per the government's website. Slovakia stops shipments from army stores to Ukraine Fico had led a campaign in which he had criticised the Western nations for providing military support to Ukraine and pressing sanctions against Russia. He had also supported peace talks, which was also propagated by Hungary's leader Viktor Orban. However, it was rejected by Ukraine. The election was won by Fico's leftist SMER-SSD party on September 30 after which it formed a ruling coalition with the nationalist SNS and centre-left HLAS parties. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war: 6 killed in Donetsk; Zelensky says, 'Deployed more air defence systems' | WION Fico repeatedly stated that the country will stop shipments from army stores to Ukraine, however, he recently clarified that the private business deals will remain unaffected. The country had staunchly supported Ukraine and military equipment which included the S-300 air defence system and MiG-29 jets were supplied by a previous centre-right government. Slovakia, which shares its eastern border with Ukraine, had provided military aid in 13 packages which were worth €671 million to Ukraine since Russia launched an attack on Ukraine in February 2022 before the appointment of Fico. The diplomats stated that army stocks have been depleted largely so a cancellation of official military aid is likely to have limited impact. (With inputs from agencies)

Slovakia cancels final military aid package to Ukraine