#military aid for ukraine

[tomorrowusa]

From @sumlenny

Germany’s Ministry of Defense has shipped US made PATRIOT air defense systems to Ukraine.

The mobile surface-to-air Patriot missiles are among the most advanced air defense systems available. Incoming cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and military aircraft have all had their days ruined by Patriot missiles. Depending on the type of Patriot and its use, they can have a range of between 30 and 160 kilometers.

The ministry in its press release (in German) announced that Germany has also sent additional Zetros trucks and border patrol vehicles to Ukraine.

Russia must be defeated or it will just take a short rest and then do a repeat when it has replenished itself.

Russia is already in violation of three treaties plus the United Nations charter. It’s plain stupid to think that yet another treaty with Russia would mean “peace in our time”.

Retired US Army Gen. David Petraeus told Vazha Tavberidze at RFE/RL:

[T]his is very much an ongoing war, and it requires continued support, continued determination not just on the part of the Ukrainians but on the part of those who are helping them in what I think is about as clear a right-versus-wrong as we've seen in our lifetime: a dictatorial, kleptocratic regime denying the right of its neighbor to even exist, invading and doing so without provocation and in a particularly brutal manner, with a…culture of committing war crimes rather than preventing them and dealing with them when inevitably they might take place;

Agreed. As with World War II, there is no room for bothsiderism in this conflict. Just because Putin doesn’t have a silly mustache doesn’t mean he isn’t like Hitler.

[rednblacksalamander]

Let's fund the country resisting a genocide, not committing one.

[memenewsdotcom]

EU agrees Ukraine aid

[destielmemenews]

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[afro-elf]

yeah the biden quote about japan/korea IS pulled out of context but the context doesn't make it much better in my opinion ksdgjslkjglskjg

[ohsalome]

People who tell you they they don't trust the media will read headlines and immediately trust them when they say that this many millions or this many billions are in a new aid package to Ukraine. What they don't understand is that most of the time the value of the military aid that is being sent over was already paid for for our use, in some cases decades ago. It is going to expire at some point, and since we're definitely not going to use it, what that means is that we'd actually pay more to dispose of that weaponry then we pay when we send it to Ukraine. So what we're doing now actually is a cost-saving thing. Instead of paying to dispose that weaponry we are paying less to dispose of Russians.

- James, aka Spaghetti Kozak in the Toronto TV podcast

[whatareyoureallyafraidof]

[dontmeantobepoliticalbut]

Blinken: US urging Israel to investigate airstrike that killed World Central Kitchen workers | Reuters

Washington has urged Israel to conduct a swift, thorough and impartial investigation into an Israeli airstrike that killed seven aid workers with the World Central Kitchen charity in Gaza, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday.

Blinken arrived in Paris for talks with senior officials including President Emmanuel Macron hours after the Washington-based NGO was struck by an Israeli airstrike in central Gaza, adding pressure on Washington to toughen its stance in the war between Israel and Hamas.

"We've spoken directly to the Israeli government about this particular incident. We've urged a swift, a thorough and impartial investigation," Blinken told reporters at a press conference in Paris, adding that humanitarian workers have to be protected.

"These people are heroes, they run into the fire, not away from it," he said of the NGO workers killed in the strike. "We shouldn't have a situation where people who are simply trying to help their fellow human beings are themselves at grave risk."

But Blinken stopped short of directly condemning the attack, unlike his French counterpart Stephane Sejourne. Speaking alongside Blinken, Sejourne voiced France's "firm condemnation" of the Israeli airstrike.

"Nothing can justify such a tragedy," he said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the airstrike was unintended and tragic, and the military pledged an independent inquiry.

Biden faces pressure from foreign partners, human rights groups and some of his fellow Democrats in Congress to impose conditions on arms transfers to rein in Israel’s offensive in Hamas-ruled Gaza where health officials say more than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed, many of them civilians.

"The killing of these employees – and so many U.N. and other aid workers – is unacceptable. Enough is enough. There must be an immediate and independent investigation," Democratic U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen said.

Hours before the Israeli strike on WCK workers on Monday, Reuters reported that the Biden administration was considering proceeding with an $18 billion arms transfer package to Israel.

Asked if incidents like the killing of WCK workers made the United States think twice about its "flood of weapons" to Israel, Blinken did not address the specific question but said all U.S. arms transfers happened consistent to policy requirements.

"From Day One, we have worked to impress upon Israel, the imperative of protecting civilians, of adhering fully to international humanitarian law, to the law of armed conflict. That is something that we are looking at and review on a regular basis," he added.

CRITICAL MOMENT IN UKRAINE

Blinken was due to hold talks with Macron later in the day. "You can sense the Americans are a bit uncomfortable at the moment," said one French diplomat, pointing to the contrast between Washington's humanitarian efforts in Gaza and its supply of weapons to Israel.

Earlier in the day, Blinken said Ukraine was at a critical moment in its war with Russia and urgently needs more Western support, bemoaning the stalemate in Congress over a multibillion-dollar military package for Kyiv.

"It is absolutely essential to get Ukrainians what they continue to need to defend themselves, particularly when it comes to munitions and air defences," he told reporters.

"It's another reason why the supplementary budget request that President (Joe) Biden has made to (the U.S.) Congress must be fulfilled as quickly as possible."

Biden has urged the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives to endorse the military and financial aid package, but House Speaker Mike Johnson has held up the matter for months, citing domestic priorities.

[lasseling]

Biden-Harris Administration Plans Additional $8 Billion Military Aid for Ukraine as Americans Struggle

During Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Washington, the Biden administration plans to announce $8 billion in military aid for Ukraine, despite growing economic struggles for U.S. citizens.

[trendynewsnow]

French Foreign Minister Endorses Ukraine's Victory Plan Against Russia

French Foreign Minister Supports Ukraine’s “Victory Plan” In a significant show of support, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot reaffirmed his commitment to Ukraine’s initiative for resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia. During a press conference held in Kyiv on Saturday, he announced his intention to collaborate with Ukrainian officials to garner international support for the newly…

[tomorrowusa]

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has delivered several dozen addresses to various parliaments around the world since Russia began its war of aggression against Ukraine in February. But those were all via video link. On Wednesday he delivered one in person – to a joint meeting of the US Congress.

The 117th Congress has had more than its share of dramatic moments. It is ending its two-year tenure with one of its most edifying and inspirational ones.

The transcript of the speech has been published on the official site of the Ukrainian presidency.

We stand, we fight and we will win. Because we are united. Ukraine, America and the entire free world - address by Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a joint meeting of the US Congress

Some of the more notable segments.

Against all odds and doom and gloom scenarios, Ukraine did not fall. Ukraine is alive and kicking. And it gives me good reason to share with you our first joint victory – we defeated Russia in the battle for minds of the world. We have no fear. Nor should anyone in the world have it.

And I would like to thank you for both, financial packages you have already provided us with, and the ones you may be willing to decide on. Your money is not charity. It's an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way.  

Let the terrorist state be held responsible for its terror and aggression, and compensate all losses done by this war.

Meanwhile in Moscow, the Kremlin isn’t taking Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington very well. Putin will be needing a bigger table.

[workersolidarity]

🇺🇸🇺🇦 🚨

UNITED STATES SENDS LONG-RANGE ATACMS MISSILES TO UKRAINE

A report published by Reuters on Wednesday says the Biden administration has quietly sent long-range ATACMS missiles to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The report claims the missiles are for use to fend off "Russian invaders," however, the Ukrainian military over the last year has used its HIMARS missile systems to bombard civilian areas of Russian and Ukrainian cities under the control of the Russian government, including attacks on Russian oil fields.

The long-range missiles were included in the latest $300 million military aid package for Kiev, approved by the Biden administration on March 12th, and were used for the first time in a strike on a Russian airfield in Crimea on April 12th, according to a U.S. official who spoke with Reuters under condition of anonymity.

The long-range ATACMS missiles have a range of up to 300km (187mi), which the Pentagon previously opposed sending to Ukraine out of concerns over U.S. military readiness and worries that the Armed Forces of Ukraine would use the missiles to strike deep into Russian territory.

#source

@WorkerSolidarityNews

[rednblacksalamander]

Paradox game.

[tmarshconnors]

STOP HELPING UKRAINE!

The war between Russia and Ukraine has dragged on for over a year now, and the West, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom, has poured billions into military aid, equipment, and financial assistance for Ukraine. The argument has been that Ukraine needs our support to defend itself against Russian aggression, which, in theory, could pose a broader threat to Europe and even global security. But is this endless funding truly in the best interest of our nations? I argue that it is not.

Unintended Consequences: Economic Strain on the West

Let’s start with the practical issue: the economic toll on our countries. We are facing significant domestic challenges – from economic recessions and rising inflation to unemployment and energy crises. Yet, despite these struggles, billions of taxpayer dollars and pounds continue to flow out to fund a conflict halfway across the world.

Consider the impact on everyday citizens. Energy prices have skyrocketed, in part because of sanctions on Russian oil and gas, but also due to our funding of this seemingly never-ending conflict. Instead of investing in infrastructure, healthcare, or education at home, we’re propping up a country that, quite frankly, needs to take responsibility for its own survival.

What’s Really at Stake?

While it's easy to frame this war as a moral crusade against tyranny, it’s far more complex than that. Ukraine is not a perfect democracy, and its issues with corruption are well-documented. Are we truly supporting a nation based on democratic ideals, or are we merely caught in a geopolitical tug-of-war with Russia? Either way, the continued funneling of funds is draining resources that could be better spent elsewhere.

Moreover, the West has already armed Ukraine to the teeth, providing advanced weaponry and training. The Ukrainian military is now well-equipped to hold its own. So why are we still providing an endless cash flow? At what point do we say, "Enough is enough"?

Ukraine's Responsibility to Defend Itself

At some point, we must allow Ukraine to stand on its own two feet. Nations throughout history have had to fend for themselves in times of crisis, and Ukraine should be no exception. This is their fight, after all. If they wish to preserve their sovereignty and independence, it’s their duty to do so.

One might argue that cutting off funding would be abandoning Ukraine to a Russian takeover. But that's an oversimplified view. Ukraine has proven its resilience time and time again. They have the will to fight; what they now need is the determination to do so without relying on endless Western support. The question isn't whether they can defend themselves – it's whether they will if left to their own devices.

Western Nations Need to Prioritize Their Own Citizens

The well-being of our own citizens should always be our primary concern. Our governments are elected to serve ourinterests, not to act as the world's police force or charity. With millions struggling to make ends meet, is it really fair to continue sending our hard-earned money to a foreign conflict?

We need to refocus on issues that matter at home: rebuilding our economies, strengthening national security, and addressing the energy crisis. Instead of being distracted by far-off wars, let’s direct our efforts toward solving our domestic problems.

The Risk of Prolonging the Conflict

Finally, there's the risk that by continuing to fund Ukraine, we are merely prolonging the conflict. If both sides know that Western money and weapons will keep flowing, where's the incentive for peace? By stepping back, we encourage diplomatic solutions rather than an endless military stalemate.

It’s time for the West to rethink its role in the Russia-Ukraine war. While supporting Ukraine was initially seen as a moral and strategic necessity, the continued funding is proving to be more of a burden than a benefit. Ukraine has the means to defend itself. Now it must find the resolve to do so independently. Our priorities should shift back to addressing the needs of our citizens, and it's high time we let Ukraine face Russia on its own terms.

After all, every nation must ultimately be responsible for its own survival.

[aanews69]

Immerse yourself in the high-stakes world of Ukraine, US Money, and Upset Citizens with this riveting exploration of geopolitical maneuvering, economic impac...

[theophagie]

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