US responds to Russia’s attack on Vinnytsia; new support program announced

On July 15, a statement by U.S. President Joe Biden was published by the official Twitter account of the U.S. State Department. In it, Biden once again condemns the actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin and calls on the free world to support Ukraine in protecting its values ​​and freedoms.

A day earlier, Russia struck the center of Vinnytsia with Kalibr missiles fired from a submarine in the Black Sea.  Two missiles were destroyed by anti-aircraft missile forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. According to the latest data, 23 people died, including three children. A total of 117 people sought help and 66 were hospitalized.

“Putin’s assault on Ukraine is a challenge to the peace and stability everywhere, and the free world must sustain our resolve to help Ukraine defend its democracy”, the message reads.

Biden stressed that “Putin’s war must be a strategic failure” and that the U.S. “will continue to support Ukraine and the Ukrainian people who have been devastated and displaced by the Russian violence”.

Also, on July 14, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink reacted to the Russian attack on Twitter.

“While international experts are meeting today in The Hague for a conference on the prosecution of war crimes in Ukraine, Russia is carrying out another horrific attack, taking the lives of innocent civilians in Vinnytsia. The United States is with Ukraine until Ukraine defeats Russia’s brutal aggression,” she said.

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EXPLAINED: What We Know About Russia’s Oreshnik Missile Fired on Ukraine

Putin said it had been deployed "in a non-nuclear hypersonic configuration" and said that the "test" had been successful and had hit its target.

Training and rehabilitation programs for Ukraine

On July 15, the U.S. House of Representatives supported the draft defense budget for 2023.  The document contains amendments that directly concern Ukraine.  It is planned to allocate $100 million for a training program for Ukrainian pilots on F-15 and F-16 fighters.

According to Reuters, a joint project is also planned with the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine for the rehabilitation of the Ukrainian military. This document has yet to be approved by the U.S. Senate, where senators also have the opportunity to introduce their amendments.  After that, the project will be sent to the U.S. President for his signature.

In total, around one billion dollars have been allocated to support Ukraine as part of the defense budget for 2023.