Small Drones Are Giving Ukraine an Unprecedented Edge
WiredSep 09, 2022
Day 73: US Authorizes Extra $150M in Military Aid; UNSC Adopts First Unanimous Statement on War
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Image copyright: Reuters [via Al Jazeera]
The Facts
US Pres. Biden announced an additional $150M in military aid to Ukraine on Friday while urging Congress to approve a $33B spending package that includes an extra $20.4B in military assistance – stating his admin. has "nearly exhausted" what Congress has authorized so far.
In a statement authorizing the $150M shipment, Sec. of State Antony Blinken said US military support for Ukraine now totals approx. $3.8B since Russia launched its invasion on Feb. 24.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Yes, the UN Security Council statement makes no mention of "war," "conflict" or "invasion." Nonetheless, this is an important step showing that all members of the Council, including Russia, are on the same page about bringing a peaceful end to the conflict and supporting mediation efforts led by UN Sec. General António Guterres.
Establishment-critical narrative
This first statement, which comes months into the war, alongside the UN's general lack of action and inability to meaningfully intervene shows that the body is no longer fit for purpose and needs urgent restructuring.
Anti-Russia narrative
This invasion is an egregious violation of international law. Putin's ultimate aim is to restore the Soviet empire, even if it takes massive bloodshed and false pretexts such as calling the 2014 Ukrainian revolution after a fraudulent election a "coup". This unprovoked attack is the latest chapter in Putin's Orwellian attempt to rewrite history.
Pro-Russia narrative
NATO and the US have ignored Russia's security concerns by breaking its promise not to expand eastward in return for German reunification. These concerns are legitimate and taking them seriously would have avoided the Ukraine tragedy.
