What's happened
As Ukraine celebrates 33 years of independence, President Zelenskyy emphasizes unity against Russian aggression. The U.S. announces a new military aid package worth $125 million, including air defense systems. British Prime Minister Starmer reaffirms support for Ukraine, urging public solidarity on this significant day.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Politico, President Biden announced a new military aid package worth $125 million, emphasizing that 'Russia will not prevail in this conflict.' Meanwhile, The Mirror reported on Keir Starmer's pledge of support, stating, 'We are with you today and always.' Al Jazeera highlighted the urgency of Ukraine's need for air defense systems, reflecting the ongoing threat from Russian attacks. Sky News noted Zelenskyy's speech, framing the conflict as a fight for justice against oppression. The Guardian and The Independent echoed these sentiments, reinforcing the message of solidarity from Western leaders.
How we got here
Ukraine declared independence from the Soviet Union on August 24, 1991. Since Russia's invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has sought military and political support from Western allies, leading to increased military aid and training for Ukrainian forces.
Common question
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy is a Ukrainian politician, actor and comedian who is the 6th and current president of Ukraine, serving since May 2019.
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northÂwestern coast of the European mainland.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Ukrainians, historically also called Ruthenians, are an East Slavic ethnic group native to Ukraine, which is by total population the seventh-largest nation in Europe and the second-largest among the East Slavs after the Russians.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. is an American politician who is the 46th and current president of the United States. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 and represented Delaware in the United States Senate