Russian volunteer corps' raid on Russia and US $300 million aid package for Ukraine - Tuesday brief
Collage by RBC-Ukraine
Yesterday, March 12, the Russian Volunteer Corps and two other units broke through the border of the Russian Federation, and the administration of the President of the United States will allocate a new package of military aid to Ukraine worth $300 million.
RBC-Ukraine has gathered the main news for March 12.
Russia's war against Ukraine: The latest news
- Drones attacked 3 regions of Russia, causing fires and power outage
- Russia strikes Ukraine with missiles and drones overnight: Downed targets revealed
- Drone attacks center of Belgorod: Administration building is under attack
EU Commission approves negotiating framework for Ukraine's EU accession, PM says
"The European Commission has approved the negotiating framework for Ukraine's accession to the European Union! Relevant proposals have been presented to the EU Council," the Prime Minister announces.
Shmyhal notes that Ukraine has come one step closer to starting negotiations and membership in the European Union.
"This step is evidence of Ukraine's achievements, our transformation, and the fact that Ukraine will definitely become an EU member. The priority of our Government is to make this happen as soon as possible," Shmyhal adds.
Tanks and fighting: Russian volunteer corps break through Russian border
The Freedom of Russia Legion, the Russian Volunteer Corps, and the Siberian Battalion breached the Russian border yesterday, March 12. They entered the Belgorod region, while gunfire was also heard in the Kursk region, indicating a likely battle.
Russian volunteers have entered the territory of the Belgorod region. The direction is reportedly towards the village of Grayvoron.
Russian propaganda claims that Russian volunteer units control the border at Lozova Rudka in the Belgorod region.
In addition to the fighting at the border, the local administration building in Belgorod was hit.
the Freedom of Russia Legion has posted a video of the destruction of an armored personnel carrier in the territory of Russia. As later clarified by the fighters, this occurred in the village of Tyotkino.
Later, members of the Freedom of Russia Legion reported that the village of Tetkino in the Kursk region (Russia) had come under the control of volunteers, but the fighting was still ongoing.
Read more about the raid in Russia and the likely consequences for Ukraine in RBC-Ukraine's article.
First official candidate for NATO Secretary General emerges
"I have decided to participate in the competition for the post of NATO Secretary General," said the President of Romania.
According to the President, two decades have passed since Romania became a member of NATO, which has been promoting democracy and freedom for 75 years and has built an extensive network of partners.
He added that the Alliance's cardinal values are the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights and freedoms, which is the compass that has guided everyone to consolidate democracy.
"NATO's umbrella has offered us the strongest security guarantees in history," President Iohannis said.
White House announces $300 million aid package for Ukraine
The administration of the President of the United States will allocate a new package of military aid to Ukraine worth $300 million, announces White House representative Jake Sullivan.
According to Sullivan, the new package of military aid to Ukraine will include artillery shells and GMLRS rockets for HIMARS, among other things.
Meanwhile, the White House has appealed to the US Congress to swiftly pass legislation to allocate funding to support Ukraine. Sullivan reiterated President Biden's words that "the clock is ticking," and Ukraine needs assistance right now.
This is the first package of military aid to Ukraine from the US since December 2023.
