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Added on the 17/05/2023 18:58:34 - Copyright : AFP EN
The United States announces an "emergency package of security assistance of $300 million" to Ukraine. "This is possible because of unanticipated costs savings in contracts that DOD negotiated to replace equipment we've already sent to Ukraine through previous drawdown," US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan tells reporters at the White House. SOUNDBITE
"When it comes to fighter combat aircraft, of course, they are part of the conversation" says British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as he says nothing is off the table when it comes to UK military aid for Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky has been stepping up his demands for Western help ahead of talks with EU leaders. SOUNDBITE
US President Joe Biden told his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday that another $625 million in military assistance, including four HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, is on the way, the White House says. SOUNDBITE
NATO foreign ministers meet for the NATO-Ukraine Council foreign ministers' session. One of the issues on the agenda is military aid to Kyiv. It comes on the 75th anniversary of the alliance, menaced by an aggressive Russia and the spectre of Donald Trump's return to power. IMAGES
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has never asked for Western troops to fight Russia's invasion, the White House says after French President Emmanuel Macron said he would not rule out the idea. "President Zelensky isn't asking for that, he's just asking for the tools and capabilities. He's never asked for foreign troops to fight for his country," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby tells reporters. SOUNDBITE
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky calls for Western countries to accelerate deliveries of promised air defence systems and fighter jets, on the eve of the second anniversary of Russia's invasion. Zelensky is speaking alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, as Western leaders descend on the country in a show of support for Kyiv as the war enters its third year. SOUNDBITE