U.S. Extends $8.5B In Grants To Ukraine

"Your strength gives us strength," US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink said on June 8, adding that $7.5 billion in grants are "on the way" as part of a $40 billion package signed by US President Joe Biden in late May, Ukraine Daily reported.

Photo Insert: US Ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink

The grants came after the European Parliament recommended that Ukraine be granted EU candidate status, with 438 European Parliament members voting in favor and 65 voting against the proposal.

The parliament also suggested that Ukraine be given more weaponry "without delay."

In a new sanctions package, Canada has outlawed the sale of services to Russian oil, gas, and chemical industries. Advertising and public relations firms, as well as technical and management consultants, are among the 28 types of Canadian consultants barred from operating in the Russian energy sector.

On the battlefront, Russia has lost 31,500 men in battle since February 24, according to the Ukrainian General Staff.

Russia also lost 1393 tanks, 3,429 armored fighting vehicles, 2,406 vehicles and fuel tanks, 703 artillery pieces, 213 multiple launch rocket systems, 96 surface-to-air missiles, 178 helicopters, 212 planes, 559 drones, and 13 boats, according to the staff's June 8 report.

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