Important events on November 20th: Ukraine recovers 94 fallen soldiers, US approves military aid package for Ukraine worth $100 million, and Japanese delegation commits to a $175 million reconstruction support.
The Pentagon revealed a new military aid package for Ukraine that includes Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), ammunition, artillery shells, anti-tank systems, and small arms ammunition. The package, drawing from previous authorizations, will also cover cold weather gear, spare parts, and demolition munitions.
This announcement coincided with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s unannounced visit to Kyiv, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Austin’s visit comes after months of congressional contention over funding for Ukraine, and before he hosts a virtual Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting.
Moreover, a Japanese delegation visited Kyiv to discuss plans for a reconstruction conference to be held in Japan in early 2023. Japan pledged $175 million to support Ukraine’s economic recovery projects, with a focus on energy supply, housing, infrastructure, humanitarian demining, and business support.
Lastly, Ukraine retrieved the bodies of 94 fallen soldiers from Russian-occupied territories. As per the Geneva Conventions, these soldiers will receive a dignified burial while remaining details about the total deaths from Russia’s invasion stay undisclosed.
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