The US financial aid, Russia attacks Kharkiv, Norway hands over to Ukraine 22 M109 howitzers: last night's highlights

The US provided the first billion dollars in economic support from a new $40 billion aid package to Ukraine. Norway handed over to Ukraine 22 M109 self-propelled howitzers. The Russian forces fired missiles at the western part of Kharkiv. Here is what you may have missed from the night of June 9.

The US provided the first billion dollars in economic support from a new $40 billion aid package to Ukraine. Later, another $ 7.5 billion will be allocated to Kyiv,saysthe US Embassy in Ukraine.

"We know the people of Ukraine are already working with great determination to rebuild. Your strength gives us strength. The US is committed to ensuring our assistance gets to those who need it and supports a sovereign, independent, democratic, and prosperous Ukraine,"the embassy said.

Norway handed over to Ukraine 22 M109 self-propelled howitzers, ammunition, spare parts, and other equipment to Ukraine. Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gramexplainedthat Ukraine has specifically requested this type of weapon. Norway also taught Ukrainian service members how to use these howitzers. The training took place in Germany.

Ukraine beat Ireland 1:0 in its first match in Group B of the UEFA League of Nations in Dublin. Dynamo Kyiv's Viktor Tsyhankov scored the goal in the 47th minute. In the next match on June 11, the Ukrainian team will play Armenia in Lodz, Poland.

Battle for Severodonetsk in the Donbas continues,saidPresident Volodymyr Zelensky calling battle for the city the epicenter of the confrontation in Donbas.

"We are defending our positions, causing the enemy's significant loss. This is a very fierce battle, very difficult. Probably one of the hardest in this war. I am grateful to everyone and everyone who defends this direction. In many respects, the fate of our Donbas is being decided there,"said the President said.

Ukrainian aircraft have carried out more than 1,100 group air raids on columns of equipment, positions, personnel, and logistics centers of the Russian forces since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine,reportedThe Air Force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine notes that during the day of June 8 alone, Ukrainian strike aircraft destroyed at least ten units of armored combat vehicles and about two dozen occupiers. Also, the anti-aircraft missile units of the Air Force hit two Orlan-10 drones in a day, seven more drones of this class were destroyed by the air defense of the Ground Forces.

On the evening of June 8, the Russian forces fired missiles at the western part of Kharkiv, killing two people and injuring four, and damaging a school and library.

The Ukrainian State Bureau of Investigation has opened approx. 480 cases of treason and collaboration since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion. More than 100 suspects have already been handed over in these cases, and four indictments have been sent to court.

The first verdicts were reached on three former Ukrainian service members who did not enlist in 2014 during the annexation of Crimea. After that, they joined the Russian army and, in February 2022, came to fight against Ukraine. The convicts were sentenced to 14-15 years in prison.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine destroyed 3 Russian munitions depots in Kherson Oblast on June 8,reportedOperational Command South. Ukrainian forces also killed 30 Russian service members and destroyed two units of armored vehicles and four units of motor vehicles on the southern axis. The Ukrainian Air Force carried out two attacks on the grouping of Russian forces and at one of their bases inKherson Oblast.