Ukraine gains more ground, gets more aid

Ukrainian forces have retaken some portions of previously Russian-held territory in the country’s southern region, according to a Wednesday report from the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank. The institute also reports that Russian so-called milbloggers (military bloggers) have betrayed the surprise factor of Ukraine’s counteroffensive with their frank discussions. Meanwhile, shelling has continued around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in the southeast.

How is the U.S. helping? Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Kyiv unannounced Thursday and said the Biden administration plans to give $2.8 billion in military aid to Ukraine and 18 other European countries threatened by Russia. That’s on top of an already-promised $675 million for heavy weapons, ammunition, and armored vehicles.

Dig deeper: Read Jenny Lind Schmitt’s report in WORLD magazine about Ukrainians coping with the emotional effects of the war.