US Senate passes Ukraine aid bill, uneasy House vote ahead
The U.S. Senate has approved a $95 billion funding package in the early morning of February 13, including $60 billion in aid for Ukraine. The bill, which received 70 votes in favor and 29 against, also allocated $14 billion in security assistance for Israel, humanitarian aid for Gaza and Ukraine, support for U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific, and funds to deter attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized that the bill sends a clear bipartisan message of resolve to NATO allies and reflects America's commitment to global security. The bill will now move to the Republican-led House, where it faces challenges and opposition from some members who prioritize domestic border issues. Despite potential obstacles, the Senate's approval marks a significant step toward providing crucial aid to Ukraine and addressing global security concerns.
Air defence downs Russian Kh-59 missile near Odesa
The Russians launched a Kh-59 guided air-to-surface missile on the city of Odesa from tactical aircraft maneuvering over the Black Sea. An air-raid warning was issued in Odesa Oblast at 14:26, and the air defense system successfully intercepted the Russian missile on its approach to the city from the sea. The intercepted missile caused damage to civilian infrastructure, including an uninhabited newly constructed building and an apartment building in the coastal area. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties, and all relevant services are currently on-site to address the aftermath of the attack.
Russians strike two Kherson hospitals and the oblast
Two people have been wounded in a Russian strike on Havrylivka, Kherson Oblast. The Russian army targeted a residential building in Havrylivka with a drone, dropping explosives in the yard of the house. As a result, a 71-year-old woman and a 36-year-old man sustained shrapnel wounds and explosive injuries. Both individuals were taken to the hospital for treatment. Additionally, there were reports of Russian attacks on Kherson, including a bus stop, residential buildings, and two medical facilities. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties in these attacks on Kherson.
Ukraine downs 16 drones overnight
Ukrainian air defense units successfully intercepted and destroyed 16 out of the 23 Shahed drones launched by Russia overnight. The drones were launched from locations in southern Russia and the occupied Crimea. Anti-aircraft missile units and mobile fire groups of the Air Force were engaged in repelling the air attack, with interceptions occurring over Kherson, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties at the time of the publication.
In a separate incident, DTEK, Ukraine's main private energy company, reported that one of its thermal power plants was targeted in an overnight Russian attack. The shelling caused severe damage to the plant. The specific location of the plant was not disclosed to avoid revealing sensitive information about Ukraine's critical infrastructure. Following the attack, power outages were reported in the city of Pavlohrad in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Regional Governor Serhii Lysak confirmed that at least 10 attack drones were downed in Dniprovskyi district, and an energy facility and an infrastructure site in the city of Dnipro were also targeted. A fire resulting from the attack was extinguished by rescuers.
Dnipro authorities evacuate hospital, close schools after attack on energy infrastructure
Following a Russian attack on civil infrastructure, including damage to a thermal power plant, the mayor of Dnipro, Borys Filatov, announced the evacuation of a hospital and the closure of schools on February 13. DTEK, Ukraine's main private energy company, reported severe damage to one of its thermal power plants, and state-owned energy operator Ukrenergo confirmed an attack on energy infrastructure in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, impacting heating supply to Dnipro. In response to the potential strain on the heating system, Filatov advised residents to go to the city's "points of invincibility," specially equipped shelters providing heating, electricity, and internet. Over 100 such points are available in Dnipro with essential amenities, including power generators and hot drinks.