This article reports on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and various international developments related to it. The key points are:
* Ukrainian forces faced 152 combat engagements on a particular day, with heavy fighting recorded in several areas.
* President Volodymyr Zelensky says that new Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine could be the strongest sign of U.S. support and would be the best support from the United States right now.
* A Russian missile strike on Zelensky’s hometown in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast killed 20 people, including nine children, and injured over 70.
* The Ukrainian government has been requesting Western partners to bolster Ukraine’s air defense, including with additional Patriot systems.
The article also reports that the Belgian Prime Minister announced a new $1 billion defense package for Ukraine, which will be used to purchase arms and strengthen Ukraine’s defense sector. The funds will also support joint production of weapons and investments in production in Ukraine, benefiting the whole of Europe.
