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U.S. to Announce $1.25 Billion Military Aid Package for Ukraine
The United States is set to announce a $1.25 billion (€1.2 billion) military aid package for Ukraine, U.S. officials revealed on Friday. The move comes as President Joe Biden seeks to bolster Ukraine’s defenses before leaving office in January.
The comprehensive package includes a significant supply of munitions for advanced air defense systems such as the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) and the HAWK air defense system. It will also deliver Stinger missiles and artillery rounds, including 155 mm and 105 mm shells, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity as the details have yet to be officially announced.
Timing of the Announcement
The official announcement is expected on Monday. This aid package arrives amidst intensified Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Ukrainian forces have reported successfully intercepting a substantial number of missiles and drones targeting their power facilities.
The announcement also comes as fierce battles continue near the Russian border region of Kursk, where Moscow has reportedly deployed thousands of North Korean troops to reclaim territory lost to Ukraine.
Urgency Ahead of Administration Change
With only weeks left in office, the Biden administration is racing against the clock to transfer as much military support as possible to Ukraine. Concerns have arisen about the remaining $5.6 billion (€5.3 billion) in Pentagon-authorized aid for Ukraine, as officials have acknowledged that not all of it may be delivered before President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January.
Trump has expressed skepticism about the scale of U.S. military aid to Ukraine and suggested he might pursue a negotiated settlement with Russia, claiming on the campaign trail that he could end the war “in one day.” This has sparked fears among U.S. and European leaders that support for Ukraine could diminish under his administration, potentially leaving Kyiv in a vulnerable position.
Strengthening Ukraine’s Position
The new aid package is part of the presidential drawdown authority, allowing the Pentagon to rapidly transfer weapons from its stockpiles to Ukraine. Officials hope the influx of aid will fortify Ukraine’s position should President Volodymyr Zelenskyy opt to engage in negotiations with Moscow.
Additionally, about $1.2 billion (€1.15 billion) in longer-term funding through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative remains available for future weapons contracts, with deliveries extending beyond 2024.
If confirmed, this latest package will bring total U.S. military assistance to Ukraine to over $64 billion (€61 billion) since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
News
Investigation Underway After Goa Nightclub Fire Kills at Least 25
Authorities in the Indian state of Goa have opened an investigation into a nightclub fire that killed at least 25 people, including several tourists, in one of the region’s most popular party districts. Six others were injured in the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight in Arpora, a nightlife hub about 25 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the death toll in a statement posted on X, saying the victims included many of the club’s kitchen staff and a small number of visiting tourists. He added that all the injured were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. Rescue teams recovered all bodies from the site.
Early reports from local police, cited by the Press Trust of India, indicated that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire. Witnesses, however, told the agency that the blaze appeared to start on the club’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were dancing at the time. As smoke and flames swept through the building, many people ran toward the lower floor, where they became trapped along with staff members.
Sawant said a formal inquiry would determine the exact cause and whether the club complied with fire safety regulations. He pledged strict action against anyone found responsible, writing on X that any negligence uncovered by investigators would be “dealt with firmly”.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee the burning building. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” said Fatima Shaikh, who was inside when the fire began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences in a message on X, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Local media reported that the club’s location along the Arpora River backwaters posed challenges for emergency crews. A narrow approach road forced fire engines to park about 400 metres from the entrance, slowing their response. Reports also revealed that the building had previously received a demolition notice after officials found it lacked a construction permit. That order was later withdrawn by senior state authorities, according to Arpora councillor Roshan Redkar.
Incidents involving gas cylinders and electrical faults are not unusual in India and often lead to heavy casualties, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the tragedy as a “criminal failure of safety and governance” and urged a transparent investigation to establish accountability and prevent future disasters.
The probe into the fire is expected to assess structural safety, emergency exits and compliance with existing regulations as authorities work to piece together how the late-night gathering turned into one of the deadliest incidents in the state in recent years.
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White House Unveils “Media Hall of Shame” Portal as Attacks on Press Intensify
News
Russia Launches Massive Overnight Barrage on Ukraine as Peace Talks With U.S. Continue
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