Military Aid and Arms for Ukraine

Ukrainian soldiers handle equipment outside Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Saturday, February 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Andrew Marienko)
Ukrainian soldiers handle equipment outside Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Saturday, February 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Andrew Marienko)
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Military Aid and Arms for Ukraine

Ukrainian soldiers handle equipment outside Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Saturday, February 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Andrew Marienko)
Ukrainian soldiers handle equipment outside Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Saturday, February 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Andrew Marienko)

Several Western countries have provided Ukraine with military aid and weapons, since Russia invaded its neighbor on February 24.

Announced deliveries have mainly involved defensive weapons, but the situation is evolving fast, AFP said.

Among the offensive weapons which are playing an important role are US-made Javelin missile launchers capable of piercing the most sophisticated armor, such as T-90 Russian tanks, and Turkish drones.

Often the aid includes protective gear like helmets and body armor, and food rations.

Here is a panorama of announced military aid. It is not exhaustive and some of the promised aid has still to be delivered.

- United States -US President Joe Biden announced on April 21 a new package of $800 million in military aid for Ukraine.

The Pentagon said the newest round of US support will include 72 155mm howitzers, 72 armored vehicles to tow them, 144,000 rounds of ammunition, and more than 120 "Phoenix Ghost" tactical drones recently developed by the US Air Force specifically to address Ukraine's needs.

The new package follows another $800 million in military assistance announced by the White House on April 13, including helicopters, howitzers and armored personnel carriers.

Previously the United States had supplied or promised Ukraine 1,400 Stinger anti-aircraft systems, 5,000 Javelin anti-tank missiles, several thousand rifles with ammunition and a range of other equipment.

- Turkey - Kyiv had before the Russian invasion around 20 Bayraktar TB2 drones, built by the Turkish military.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said in early March Kyiv had received new drones, which some experts number at 16.

Kyiv also said a TB2 acted as decoy, distracting the defenses of the Russian warship Moskva with a TB2, while it pounded it with missiles on the other side before sinking it last week.

Some experts say that Turkish drones continue to be delivered to Ukraine, something not confirmed by Ankara.

- United Kingdom -The UK says it has distributed more than 200,000 items so far, including 4,800 NLAW anti-tank missiles, and a small number of Javelin missiles.

It also announced it was sending 6,000 other missiles, consisting of anti-tank and high explosive weapons.

It has also sent Starstreak high-velocity anti-aircraft missiles and according to reports is planning to send Stormer armored missile launchers, on which Starstreak can be mounted.

It has also vowed to send 120 Mastiff, Wolfhound and Husky armored vehicles and a new anti-ship missile system.

It has also sent Poland a Sky Sabre medium-range, anti-air missile system.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on April 22 the UK is considering sending tanks to Poland so that Warsaw can send its own to Ukrainian forces fighting against Russia.

- Canada -Canada has since 2015 committed over $141 million Canadian dollars ($112.6 million) for defensive military equipment for Ukraine. Some $118 million of that has come since February 2022.

Since February Ottawa has announced that it is sending defensive military aid, weapons and ammunition, hand grenades, rocket launchers, surveillance and detection equipment.

This week, it sent for the first time to Ukraine heavy artillery -- M777 howitzers -- and munitions. It also said it was planning to send armored vehicles.

- Germany -At the beginning of the conflict, Germany announced it was sending 1,000 anti-tank weapons, 500 Stinger surface-to-air missiles, around 2,700 Strela anti-aircraft missiles, and ammunition to Ukraine.

According to media reports, Germany has also sent around 100 machine guns, 100,000 grenades, 2,000 mines, 15 bunker busting bombs, detonators and explosive charges.

Germany also has a say in where weapons that used to belong to the former East German army end up. Berlin has approved requests from other countries (Estonia, Czech Republic) to send some of those ex-East German, Soviet-era weapons to Ukraine, including howitzers and armored personnel carriers.

- Spain -Spain has shipped 200 tons of military equipment, including 30 trucks, several special heavy transport vehicles, and 10 small vehicles loaded with the military material to Ukraine.

- France -France has delivered more than 100 million euros of military equipment to Ukraine, according to Defense Minister Florence Parly.

France is sending several heavy artillery pieces to Ukraine, President Emmanuel Macron said on April 22.

"We are delivering significant equipment, from Milan (anti-tank missiles) to Caesar (self-propelled howitzers)," Macron told regional newspaper Ouest-France.

- Nordic countries -Norway has sent 100 French-made Mistral anti-air missiles to Ukraine as well as 4,000 M72 anti-tank weapons.

Sweden announced in late February it would send 5,000 single use anti-tank launchers (internationally known as AT-4), then another 5,000 anti-tank launchers in March, along with demining equipment.

Finland announced in February it would send 2,500 assault rifles, 150,000 rounds of ammunition, and 1,500 single use anti-tank launchers. On March 24 the country said it would send another shipment of arms to Ukraine but did not provide specifics of what that would entail.

Denmark announced on February 27 that it would send 2,700 anti-tank launchers. On April 21, Prime Minister Mette Fredriksen, while on a visit to Kyiv, announced that her country would contribute another 600 million Danish kroner ($88 million) for weapons.

- Ukraine's neighbors - Poland has sent Ukraine drones, Javelin anti-tank missiles, Grot assault rifles, 60 mm mortars, and MANPADs short range surface to air missiles

There are also unconfirmed reports of Poland sending 40 T-72 tanks and 60 BMP-1 armored personnel carriers

Slovakia has so far contributed military material worth around 62.5 million euros and also provided an S-300 air defense system.

The EU member is also negotiating with Ukraine on the possibility of sending over Zuzana howitzers.

Romania said in late February it was sending fuel, ammunition and other military equipment totaling three million euros.

- Baltic states -Latvia has contributed military material worth more than 200 million euros -- including ammunition, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles and their launch pads, unmanned aircraft and drones.

Lithuania said it has sent military aid to Ukraine worth "tens of millions" of euros. This includes Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, mortars, rifles, ammunition and other military equipment.

Estonia has given 227.5 million euros of military aid, including Javelin anti-tank missile system missiles, 122 mm howitzers, anti-tank mines and anti-tank guns, and handguns along with ammunition.

- Central and Eastern Europe -Slovenia announced in late February it was sending Kalashnikovs and ammunition.

According to German media Slovenia will send a large number of its assault tanks in return for German Marder tanks and Fuchs armored troop carriers.

Bulgaria is not officially providing military equipment to Ukraine due to opposition from pro-Russian socialists. But the country's exports of military equipment to EU countries almost tripled between February 20 and April 13 compared to the same period of 2021.

The Czech Republic has donated military material worth 45.2 million euros, including small arms and missiles. Local media have reported that Prague sent over Dana self-propelled howitzers and RM-70 Grad rocket launchers, Soviet-made T-72 tanks and infantry fighting vehicles. The defense ministry has also announced that Czech companies will repair the Ukrainian army’s tanks.

- Belgium, Netherlands, Greece, Italy -Belgium says it has sent 5,000 automatic rifles and anti tank weapons to Ukraine.

The Netherlands in late February promised the delivery of 200 Stinger missiles.

Greece has provided defensive aid, including 400 Kalashnikovs, launchers and ammunition.

Italy is keeping its arms deliveries to Ukraine under a veil of secrecy.

- Japan - Japan has announced it will send electric generators and drones to Ukraine.



Iran, Russia to Conduct Joint Drills in the Sea of Oman 

This handout photo released by Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC)'s official website Sepanews on February 17, 2026, shows boats maneuvering around a tanker vessel during a military exercise by members of the IRGC and navy in the Strait of Hormuz. (Sepahnews / AFP)
This handout photo released by Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC)'s official website Sepanews on February 17, 2026, shows boats maneuvering around a tanker vessel during a military exercise by members of the IRGC and navy in the Strait of Hormuz. (Sepahnews / AFP)
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Iran, Russia to Conduct Joint Drills in the Sea of Oman 

This handout photo released by Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC)'s official website Sepanews on February 17, 2026, shows boats maneuvering around a tanker vessel during a military exercise by members of the IRGC and navy in the Strait of Hormuz. (Sepahnews / AFP)
This handout photo released by Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC)'s official website Sepanews on February 17, 2026, shows boats maneuvering around a tanker vessel during a military exercise by members of the IRGC and navy in the Strait of Hormuz. (Sepahnews / AFP)

Iran and Russia will conduct naval maneuvers in the Sea of Oman on Thursday, following the latest round of talks between Tehran and Washington in Geneva, Iranian media reported.

On Monday, the Revolutionary Guards, the ideological arm of Iran's military, also launched exercises in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a challenge to US naval forces deployed in the region.

"The joint naval exercise of Iran and Russia will take place tomorrow (Thursday) in the Sea of Oman and in the northern Indian Ocean," the ISNA agency reported, citing drill spokesman, Rear Admiral Hassan Maghsoudloo.

"The aim is to strengthen maritime security and to deepen relations between the navies of the two countries," he said, without specifying the duration of the drill.

The war games come as Iran struck an upbeat tone following the second round of Oman-mediated negotiations in Geneva on Tuesday.

Previous talks between the two foes collapsed following the unprecedented Israeli strike on Iran in June 2025, which sparked a 12-day war that the United States briefly joined.

US President Donald Trump has deployed a significant naval force in the region, which he has described as an "armada."

Iranian officials have repeatedly threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz, particularly during periods of tension with the United States, but it has never been closed.

A key passageway for global shipments of oil and liquefied natural gas, the Strait of Hormuz has been the scene of several incidents in the past and has returned to the spotlight as pressure has ratcheted amid the US-Iran talks.

Iran announced on Tuesday that it would partially close it for a few hours for "security" reasons during its own drills in the strait.


First European Flight Lands in Venezuela Since Maduro’s Ouster 

A man holds up a Venezuelan flag while taking part in a march calling for amnesty for political prisoners and to mark Youth Day, in Caracas, Venezuela, February 12, 2026. (Reuters)
A man holds up a Venezuelan flag while taking part in a march calling for amnesty for political prisoners and to mark Youth Day, in Caracas, Venezuela, February 12, 2026. (Reuters)
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First European Flight Lands in Venezuela Since Maduro’s Ouster 

A man holds up a Venezuelan flag while taking part in a march calling for amnesty for political prisoners and to mark Youth Day, in Caracas, Venezuela, February 12, 2026. (Reuters)
A man holds up a Venezuelan flag while taking part in a march calling for amnesty for political prisoners and to mark Youth Day, in Caracas, Venezuela, February 12, 2026. (Reuters)

A plane from Spain's Air Europa landed in Venezuela Tuesday, according to a flight tracking monitor, the first European commercial flight to arrive in the country since the United States toppled president Nicolas Maduro.

A slew of international carriers stopped flying to Venezuela after the United States warned of possible military activity there in late November -- a prelude to its surprise attack on January 3.

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner landed at Simon Bolivar International Airport, which serves the Venezuelan capital Caracas, at 9:00 pm (0100 GMT).

Since US forces raided Venezuela and captured Maduro, US President Donald Trump has struck a cooperative relationship with interim president Delcy Rodriguez.

Late last month he called for flights to resume to the country.

Spanish airline Iberia is evaluating security guarantees before announcing a return, according to the Spanish press.

Portugal's TAP has said it will resume flights. Colombian airline Avianca and Panama's Copa have already restarted operations.

Hoping to prompt US flights, the Trump administration has lifted a 2019 ban on US airlines flying to the country.


Fireworks Shop Explosion Kills 12 in China

Fire performers carry a dragon during a molten iron fireworks performance known as "fire dragon steel flowers" ahead of Lunar New Year celebrations at an amusement park on the outskirts of Beijing, China, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Fire performers carry a dragon during a molten iron fireworks performance known as "fire dragon steel flowers" ahead of Lunar New Year celebrations at an amusement park on the outskirts of Beijing, China, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
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Fireworks Shop Explosion Kills 12 in China

Fire performers carry a dragon during a molten iron fireworks performance known as "fire dragon steel flowers" ahead of Lunar New Year celebrations at an amusement park on the outskirts of Beijing, China, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Fire performers carry a dragon during a molten iron fireworks performance known as "fire dragon steel flowers" ahead of Lunar New Year celebrations at an amusement park on the outskirts of Beijing, China, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

An explosion at a fireworks shop in central China killed 12 people on Wednesday, the second day of the Lunar New Year holiday, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

Setting off fireworks and firecrackers is common during holiday celebrations in China, especially around Lunar New Year, which fell on Tuesday.

While many larger cities, including the capital Beijing, have banned the practice in recent years -- in part due to pollution -- towns and rural areas are often filled with the sounds of exploding firecrackers and "missile" fireworks for days on end during the holiday period.

"At approximately 2 pm on the 18th, there was a fire and explosion at a firework and firecracker shop in Zhengji town" in Hubei province, CCTV said, citing local authorities.

"The fire covered an area of around 50 square meters and has already resulted in 12 deaths."

The cause of the explosion is under investigation, CCTV added, according to AFP.

On Sunday, an explosion at a fireworks shop in eastern China's Jiangsu province killed eight and injured two.

In response to that incident, the Ministry of Emergency Management urged fireworks enterprises nationwide to strengthen supervision and undertake a "full inspection" of safety risks and hazards.

It also warned citizens against unsafe practices like test-firing or smoking outside of shops.

Industrial accidents are common in China due to lax safety standards.

An explosion at a biotech factory in northern China's Shanxi province killed eight people this month.

And in late January, an explosion at a steel factory in the neighboring province of Inner Mongolia left at least nine people dead.