Kharkiv Hit: At Least 36 Injured in Renewed Russian Attacks as Ukraine Seeks Patriot System Maintenance
Kharkiv,ukraine – At least 36 people were injured in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv following a third consecutive night of Russian attacks on the region,Ukrainian officials reported Tuesday. The strikes, targeting civilian infrastructure, come as Ukraine continues to seek bolstered air defenses and diplomatic solutions to the ongoing conflict.
Amidst the escalating attacks, the United States announced the approval of a $105 million sale to Ukraine for maintenance of its existing Patriot anti-aircraft batteries. The sale, approved by the State Department and notified to Congress, includes spare parts, services, and “upgrading launchers…as well as other services, accessories and spare parts,” according to a press release. This move addresses a critical need for sustaining Ukraine’s air defense capabilities against Russian missile strikes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky underscored the importance of these systems during a visit to the United States in October, where he met with representatives from American defense industries, including Raytheon, the manufacturer of the Patriot systems. Shortly after the trip, Zelensky stated his country has a “need” of 25 additional American Patriot anti-aircraft systems to effectively counter Russian attacks.
The provision of aid has become a point of contention with the return of President Donald Trump to power in January. Having positioned himself as a potential mediator, Trump has publicly criticized the $67 billion in American military and financial aid provided to Kyiv since Russia‘s invasion in February 2022. His administration has instead favored a NATO-facilitated programme allowing European countries to finance the transfer of American weaponry to Ukraine.
as Russia intensifies its shelling of Ukrainian energy infrastructure ahead of winter, President Zelensky is scheduled to travel to Türkiye on Wednesday. The aim of the trip is to “re-engage” the United States in peace talks with Russia, negotiations which remain stalled.
