US ANNOUNCES NEW PATRIOT MISSILES
Russia-Ukraine war: US to provide $2.3 bn in new security aid for Ukraine
The United States will provide Ukraine with a new $2.3 billion security assistance package, including air defense and anti-tank weapons, as Ukraine faces Russian invasion. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the support during a meeting with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, aiming to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities and counter Russian aggression. This assistance builds on the US commitment of over $51 billion since the Russian invasion began in 2022.
With its new pact with North Korea, Russia raises the stakes with the West over Ukraine
In a significant move, President Putin's visit to North Korea showcased Russia's willingness to challenge Western interests, particularly in the context of the Ukraine crisis. The pact signed with Kim Jong Un includes mutual military assistance and the possibility of weapons shipments to North Korea. This agreement marks the strongest tie between the two countries since the Cold War. Putin's actions have raised concerns in Washington and Seoul, with South Korea considering supplying arms to Ukraine in response. However, Putin warned against this, indicating potential repercussions.
Russia and North Korea sign partnership deal that appears to be the strongest since the Cold War
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed an agreement pledging mutual aid against "aggression," signaling stronger ties amid their standoffs with the West. The summit marked Putin's first visit to North Korea in 24 years and raised concerns over potential arms deals for Russia's war in Ukraine. The agreement enhances security, trade, and cultural ties. U.S. and South Korean officials expressed alarm, and Putin’s subsequent visit to Vietnam underscores Russia’s efforts to bolster alliances amid global tensions.
US to send another patriot missile system to Ukraine after repeated demands
US President Joe Biden has authorised the deployment of a second Patriot missile system to Ukraine in response to escalating conflict with Russia. The decision comes following high-level meetings and internal debate over bolstering Ukraine's air defenses. The system, considered one of the best in the US arsenal, will be sent from Poland to assist Ukraine in defending against Russian attacks on its cities and infrastructure.
Media titan 93-year old Rupert Murdoch marries Elena Zhukova in Los Angeles
Rupert Murdoch, the media mogul, married Elena Zhukova, a retired molecular biologist, in an intimate ceremony at his Bel Air vineyard estate. This marks Murdoch’s fifth marriage. The couple's relationship began through mutual connections, and their engagement was announced in March. Notable guests included Robert K Kraft and Robert Thomson. Murdoch's media empire, built over decades, continues under the leadership of his son, Lachlan.
EU tries increasing Ukraine's military support as Zelenskyy tours Spain, Belgium and Portugal
European Union defence ministers are meeting in Brussels to provide military aid to Ukraine amidst Russia's ongoing invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is seeking support from Spain, Belgium, and Portugal to bolster Ukraine's defence efforts. Hungary's veto has stalled 6.5 billion euros in aid. Zelenskyy aims to secure more support, including US-made Patriot air defence systems, to counter Russia's attacks.
Ukraine's Zelenskyy gets more air defence missiles from Spain to fight deadly Russian glide bombs
Two Patriot systems are needed to protect the northeastern Kharkiv region, where the Kremlin's forces launched a cross-border offensive on May 10 that left Ukrainian troops reeling, Zelenskyy said. The death toll from a glide bomb attack on a Kharkiv shopping mall Saturday rose to 18, regional Gov Oleh Syniehubov said Monday, with five people still missing.
Ukraine steps up attacks with U.S. long-range missiles
The Ukrainian army has used U.S.-supplied long-range missiles to target Russian airfields and warships in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory but is barred from attacking inside Russia, limiting its defensive capabilities. Ukraine's recent strikes with Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) aim to weaken Russia's military operations, but U.S. and Western restrictions prevent targeting Russia itself. Ukrainian officials argue this policy allows Russia to attack from within its borders without repercussion. Pressure is mounting on the Biden administration to revise this policy to better support Ukraine's defense against Russian advances.
China sanctions defense-related US companies and executives over Russia, Taiwan
China claims the self-governed island as its own territory, to be annexed by force if necessary. It has long opposed any weapon sales by the U.S. to the island. While the U.S. does not recognize Taiwan as a country, Washington is obligated by a federal law to ensure the island's government has the means to defend itself.
Zelenskyy postpones all upcoming foreign visits as Ukraine faces a new Russian offensive
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy delays foreign trips amid clashes with Russian forces. U.S. Secretary of State Blinken reassures Ukrainian support during Kyiv visit. Zelenskyy cancels plans, citing ongoing battles and Russia's incursions. Blinken lauds Ukrainian resilience, while Russia shoots down Ukrainian missiles and drones in border regions.
Missile defence successes in Gulf, Ukraine fuel global urgency to acquire systems
Experts predict that the successful use of ballistic missile defenses in recent high-stakes combat scenarios in Israel, the Red Sea, and Ukraine will lead to increased global investment in these systems. The U.S. SM-3 and Israeli Arrow interceptors, as well as the MIM-104 Patriot batteries, have demonstrated effectiveness against missile attacks, encouraging more countries to invest in similar defense systems. This trend is expected to intensify missile arms races, particularly in regions like Asia, where countries are already heavily investing in missile technology.
Ukraine uses long-range missiles secretly provided by US to hit Russian-held areas, officials say
Ukraine has begun using long-range ballistic missiles provided secretly by the US, bombing a Russian military airfield in Crimea and Russian forces in another occupied area. The missiles provide nearly double the striking distance that Ukraine had with the mid-range version of the weapon. The US is providing more of these missiles in a new military aid package signed by President Joe Biden.
UK announces $620 million in new military aid for Ukraine and plan to up own defense spending
The UK has pledged an additional $620 million in military supplies for Ukraine, including long-range missiles and ammunition, amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed the assistance in a call with President Zelenskyy, emphasizing UK's support against Russia's aggression. The aid includes vehicles, boats, munitions, and British Storm Shadow missiles. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude, noting the impact on Ukrainian defenders. The announcement follows the US approval of $61 billion in aid for Ukraine. However, it's unclear when the UK aid will be delivered, as Ukraine faces ammunition shortages and ongoing Russian advances.
RTX beats estimates on military demand, aviation strength
RTX, a major aerospace and defense company, surpassed first-quarter earnings expectations due to demand for missile defense systems and a strong commercial aftermarket business. The aftermarket business benefited from airlines extending the service life of aircraft amid the recovery in air travel and limited availability of new planes. Pratt and Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX, reported a sales increase of 23%, despite ongoing inspections for potentially flawed components in its GTF jet engines.
European nations with Patriot missiles hesitate to give the air defense systems to Ukraine
EU countries with Patriot air defense systems did not give a clear indication on Monday whether they would supply them to Ukraine, which is seeking at least seven of the missile batteries to defend against Russian air attacks. Germany is the only country that has offered a single Patriot missile battery in response to Ukraine's request. Other countries are exploring options, such as financial support for Ukraine's air defenses and purchasing drones. NATO has identified existing capabilities across the alliance that could be made available to Ukraine but did not specify the countries that possess Patriots.
5 Israeli state-of-the-art multilayered air-defense systems that protected it from Iran's drone and missile strikes
Iran launched more than 300 drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles toward Israel on Saturday evening.
Iran-Israel war: Just how did Israel manage to resist 99% of Iran's 300 missile, drone attacks?
Israel faces a barrage of Iranian drones and missiles, testing its robust air defense system, which includes: Arrow that intercepts long-range missiles, David's Sling which is designed for medium-range missile interception, Patriot which is for intercepting aircraft and drones and the Iron Dome which is specialized in shooting down short-range rockets with a success rate of over 90%.
9 deadly Iranian missiles that can target Israel and U.S. bases in the Middle East
Iran has long stated that its missile program is only a deterrent, and it does not seek nuclear weapons. However, the new missiles have raised concerns among regional powers, particularly Israel, which is within the reported range of these missiles.
Ukraine's allies not giving enough air defence, minister says
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expressed frustration over the lack of air defense support from Ukraine's partners against Russian missile attacks. Despite having over 100 Patriot missile defense systems, Kuleba stated that partners have been unwilling to share even a few more systems, which Ukraine considers crucial for additional protection. Kuleba highlighted the urgent need for more robust support, as Russia has intensified attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. He emphasized the importance of political will in providing the necessary support to Ukraine to prevent a larger war in Europe.
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