The $61 billion aid package has just “thawed”, Russia is targeting weapons warehouses in Ukraine

“We will increase the intensity of attacks on Western logistics centers and weapons depots,” Mr. Shoigu said.

The Russian Ministry of Defense also said that the Russian army participated in the operation to control Novomykhailivka and seized Western-made weapons, including Swedish grenade launchers, American Javelin anti-tank missiles and NATO’s electronic warfare system.

“Our high combat potential allows us to continuously attack the enemy and prevent them from holding the defensive line,” Shoigu noted, estimating Kiev’s losses at 500,000 troops since the start conflict since 2022.

Mr. Shoigu said Moscow had “dispelled the myth of the superiority of Western weapons”, and praised the continued hyperproduction of the domestic defense industry “which has significantly increased combat capabilities”. of the armed forces”. The Russian Defense Minister also confirmed that Moscow took control of the villages of Pervomaiske, Bohdanivka and Novomykhailivka this month, although the Ukrainian side denied it.

Mr. Shoigu’s statement was made right after the US Senate passed a foreign aid bill worth $95 billion on April 23. In addition, the bill also mentions strengthening sanctions against Russian assets in Europe. Currently, as long as US President Joe Biden’s signature is needed, this bill will be legalized.

“I will quickly sign this bill into law and immediately send weapons and military equipment to Ukraine this week,” Mr. Biden announced on the evening of April 23.

New US funding will help Ukraine’s military maintain the war with Russia. It is known that the Biden administration is preparing to send a $1 billion arms package to Ukraine. According to Reuters, this aid package is larger than the $300 million aid package approved in March, including Stinger anti-aircraft ammunition, 155 mm artillery shells, Javelin anti-tank shells, and additional ammunition for artillery missile system.

Head of the General Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine – Mr. Kirill Budanov warned that Ukrainian troops may face a difficult situation from mid-May to early June, due to increased attacks by Russian troops during this time. . However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on April 21 still believed in Ukraine’s ability to win if the US and the West provided timely weapons aid.