Daily Flyer - April 16, 2024

A voice of Ukraine to the West

Daily Flyer - April 16, 2024

US will not shoot down drones in Ukraine, as it did in Israel, because of different threat pictures

White House National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby emphasized that the United States will not intervene militarily in Russia's war in Ukraine, nor will it engage in actions akin to shooting down aerial targets, as was done in Israel.

Kirby clarified this stance when questioned about the possibility of the US intercepting Iranian kamikaze drones, similar to actions taken during the recent Iranian attack on Israel. He underscored the differences in conflicts, airspace dynamics, and threat patterns between the two situations.

From the outset of the conflict, President Biden has been unequivocal about the US's non-involvement in hostilities in Ukraine. While the US aims to support Ukraine by providing necessary weapons for airspace defense, Kirby lamented the current inability to do so due to the lack of National Security Supplemental funding.

Kirby advocated for swift passage of the bill adopted by the Senate, which would provide vital aid to both the Israel Defense Forces and the Ukrainian military. This, he emphasized, would be the most effective means of ensuring that necessary support reaches those who need it most amidst escalating conflicts.

Johnson introduces separate bills to help Ukraine and Israel

US House Speaker Mike Johnson introduced four separate bills on aid to Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and national security priorities on Monday, as reported by The Hill. Johnson unveiled his proposal during a closed-door House Republican conference, marking a significant step after months of postponement on the politically charged topic.

According to two Republican lawmakers present at the meeting, Johnson's plan involves moving four bills under one procedural rule, allowing for potential amendments. The fourth bill, focused on national security, encompasses a range of measures, including a ban on TikTok, utilizing confiscated Russian assets to aid Ukraine, implementing a lend-lease act for military assistance, and offering convertible loans for humanitarian aid.

However, notably absent from the current plan are provisions related to border security. Republican Representative Kevin Hearn observed that this omission might encounter opposition from hardline conservatives who advocate for coupling aid to Ukraine with legislation addressing the southern border.

Johnson shared details of his plan on Twitter.

Russian forces attack Kherson from Dnipro's east bank

Russian forces launched an attack on areas along the right (west) bank of the River Dnipro in the city of Kherson, originating from their positions on the occupied left (east) bank of the river.

Roman Mrochko, Head of Kherson City Military Administration, reported the incident on Telegram, stating that explosions were heard in the Dniprovskyi district of Kherson.

During the attack, an air-raid warning was issued in Kherson Oblast, effective from 14:37 to 15:17, signaling the heightened threat of aerial assault.