Ukraine War Update: $322M US Arms Deal Includes Bradleys and Hawks

U.S. Announces Major Arms Sales to Ukraine

The United States has approved the sale of $322 million worth of military equipment to Ukraine, including Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and Hawk surface-to-air missile systems. The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) stated that the Hawks would enhance Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, while the Bradleys would help meet the urgent need to sustain high operational rates for U.S.-provided vehicles and weapon systems. The State Department has also given its approval, and the DSCA has notified Congress, which must also approve the transactions.

Zelenskyy Faces Protests Over Anti-Corruption Measures

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has faced mass protests following his decision to weaken the powers of two independent anti-corruption agencies. In response, Zelenskyy announced a new bill aimed at strengthening the rule of law and ensuring the independence of these institutions. During a video address, he emphasized that there would be “no Russian influence” in the process. Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Kyiv, expressing their discontent with the move. European leaders have also voiced concerns about the Ukrainian president's controversial decision to place anti-corruption agencies under direct government control.

Protests Not Anti-War or Anti-Zelenskyy, Says Analysis

According to an analysis by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the protests in Ukraine are not anti-war or anti-Zelenskyy demonstrations. However, Russian propagandists are portraying them as such. The ISW suggested that Russia hopes this rhetoric will undermine Ukraine, potentially weakening its military and making it easier to defeat on the battlefield.

Chinese Engines Shipped to Russia in Disguise

Chinese-made engines for war drones are being covertly shipped to the Russian manufacturer IEMZ Kupol, labeled as “industrial refrigeration units” to avoid detection and Western sanctions. According to reports by Reuters, these engines are used in the Garpiya-A1 attack drone, which is partly modeled after the Iranian-designed Shahed. The long-range drone has been used against civilian targets, with approximately 500 launched per month. After previous reports about the use of L550E engines made by Xiamen Limbach Aviation Engine Co., the EU and U.S. sanctioned several companies. A new Chinese firm, Beijing Xichao International Technology and Trade, has since emerged to supply these engines through front companies.

Russian Strikes Target Odesa and Sochi

Russian forces conducted a series of mass aerial strikes on Ukraine’s Black Sea port of Odesa, hitting the city’s historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Pictures showed the Privoz market on fire. In Russia’s Krasnodar region, an oil facility burned after a Ukrainian strike. A Russian official confirmed that a drone hit the facility, and operations at Sochi’s nearby airport were suspended for about four hours. Debris from a falling drone struck and killed a woman in the Adler district.

Ukrainian Drone Strikes Inside Russia

Further Ukrainian drone strikes inside Russia appeared to be taking place. Ukrainian prosecutors reported that Russian forces injured a 61-year-old man in the Kharkiv regional village of Petro-Ivanivka and a 75-year-old woman and a 79-year-old man in the city of Kupyansk. These attacks were reported late on Tuesday night.

EU Calls on China to Influence Russia

European Council President Antonio Costa urged China to use its influence with Russia to help end the Ukraine war during meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, the EU called on China to respect the UN charter and bring an end to the war of aggression against Ukraine.

Peace Talks Continue with Prisoner Swaps

Russia and Ukraine discussed further prisoner swaps during a brief session of peace talks in Istanbul. Despite the discussions, the sides remain far apart on ceasefire terms and a potential meeting between their leaders. Ukraine proposed a meeting before the end of August between Zelenskyy and Putin, while Russia emphasized the need for a signed agreement rather than initial discussions.

Ukraine Returns POWs from Russia

Zelenskyy announced the return of a new group of prisoners of war from Russia, bringing the total number of returning soldiers to over 1,000 as agreed at talks in Turkey. He noted that many of the returning servicemen had spent more than three years as prisoners and were receiving medical assistance.

Discussions on Air Defenses with Israel

Zelenskyy also discussed strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar during a meeting in Kyiv. Topics included opportunities for joint weapons production. Israel’s Iron Dome and David’s Sling air defense systems, known for protecting against terrorist rockets and ballistic missiles, are considered among the most advanced in the world.