News Feed
Video

European foreign ministers approved the creation of a special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine during a meeting in Lviv on May 9. The tribunal, which will operate under the auspices of the Council of Europe, aims to prosecute Russia's top political and military leadership, including President Vladimir Putin. Ukraine expects the tribunal to start work in 2026. The Kyiv Independent’s Kateryna Hodunova spoke with Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel about the future tribunal and its role in bringing justice for Ukraine.

Show More
News Feed

Washington Post: US plans to send Ukraine smart-bomb kits

1 min read

U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration is considering providing Ukraine with advanced electronic equipment that turns unguided aerial munitions into “smart bombs” capable of hitting Russian military positions “with a high degree of accuracy,” WP reported, citing senior U.S. officials familiar with the matter.

The kits include global positioning devices to ensure accuracy and can be attached to various weapons, creating a so-called Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), according to WP.

The sources didn’t specify which Ukrainian weaponry systems would be augmented with the smart-bomb kits.

It is not yet clear whether Biden or any of his top national security advisers have approved the proposed JDAM transfer to Ukraine, the officials said.

As Ukraine’s Air Force mainly depends on aging Soviet MiG aircraft, the Pentagon is looking for ways to modernize them rather than supply newer Western aircraft, which requires extended training for operating staff, WP wrote.

On Dec. 9, the U.S. approved an additional $275 million security assistance package for Ukraine, including High-Mobility Rocket Artillery Systems (HIMARS), 80,000 rounds of ammunition, air defenses, around 150 generators, high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles (HMMWVs) ambulances, and medical equipment.

The Biden administration is also planning to deliver Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, CNN reported on Dec. 13, citing three U.S. officials.

The U.S. has provided more than $19 billion in aid to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion in February, according to Pentagon.

Avatar
The Kyiv Independent news desk

We are the news team of the Kyiv Independent. We are here to make sure our readers get quick, essential updates about the events in Ukraine. Feel free to contact us via email with feedback and news alerts.

Read more