International

US announces new Patriot missiles for Ukraine as part of new $6 billion aid package

The U.S. will provide Ukraine additional Patriot missiles for its air defense systems as part of a massive $6 billion additional aid package, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced Friday, AP reports.

The missiles will be used to replenish previously supplied Patriot systems. The package also includes more munitions for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems, or NASAMS, and additional gear to integrate Western air defense launchers, missiles and radars into Ukraine’s existing weaponry, much of which still dates back to the Soviet era.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the need for Patriots early Friday with the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, a coalition of about 50 countries gathering virtually in a Pentagon-led meeting. The meeting fell on the second anniversary of the group, which Austin said has “moved heaven and earth” since April 2022 to source millions of rounds of ammunition, rocket systems, armored vehicles and even jets to help Ukraine rebuff Russia’s invasion.

Zelenskyy said at least seven Patriot systems are needed to protect Ukrainian cities. “We urgently need Patriot systems and missiles for them,” Zelenskyy said. “This is what can and should save lives right now.”

At a Pentagon press conference following the meeting, Austin said the U.S. was working with allies to resource additional Patriot systems but did not commit to sending more U.S. versions. He said he has been speaking one-on-one with a number of his European counterparts in recent days to hash out this issue and others.

“It’s not just Patriots that they need, they need other types of systems and interceptors as well,” Austin said. “I would caution us all in terms of making Patriot the silver bullet.”

Austin said he is asking allied nations to “accept a little bit more risk” as they consider what weapons to send to Ukraine. A number of nations have expressed some reluctance to send Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine because most don’t have very many and they believe they need them for their own defense.

U.S. officials said the aid package will be funded through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which pays for longer-term contracts with the defense industry and means that it could take many months or years for the weapons to arrive. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss details not yet made public.

Read more

Moldovan winemakers won 90 medals at the “Vinul Moldovei” national contest
Social

Moldovan winemakers won 90 medals at the “Vinul Moldovei” national contest

Moldovan winemakers won a total of 90 medals at the third edition of the national contest “Vinul Moldovei” (‘Wine of Moldova’) held on November 21 and 22 in Chisinau. Among the awarded wines, 8 received the Grand Gold Medal, 73 wines were awarded Gold Medals, and 9 received Silver Medals.

Union of Fine Artists of the Republic of Moldova designates the winners of the national contemporary art salon
Culture

Union of Fine Artists of the Republic of Moldova designates the winners of the national contemporary art salon

The Union of Fine Artists of the Republic of Moldova has announced the winners of the National Contemporary Art Salon, the final exhibition-competition of 2024. Organized by the Union of Plastic Artists of the Republic of Moldova, this event highlights the engagement of artists in the creative process and their desire to enhance the world through art.

Universities from the Republic of Moldova promoted in India. Dan Perciun: Each international student contributes €10,000 annually to the country's economy.
Social

Universities from the Republic of Moldova promoted in India. Dan Perciun: Each international student contributes €10,000 annually to the country's economy.

International students who choose to study in the Republic of Moldova contribute approximately €10,000 each year to the country's economy through tuition fees, accommodation, food, and other services, according to Dan Perciun, the Minister of Education and Research. He noted that these funds support job creation and investment in universities, thereby improving conditions for all students.