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A senior Ukrainian official has expressed skepticism about the Biden administration’s capacity to swiftly provide crucial weapons aid to Ukraine as the country battles to turn the tide against Russia. Ukraine’s Ambassador to the U.S., Oksana Markarova, raised concerns about the availability and production rate of essential equipment. The Pentagon is evaluating which military supplies to send to Kyiv, but the process may be delayed due to depleted U.S. weapon stockpiles and the need to replenish them. Despite the passage of a bipartisan bill providing $60 billion in aid, Markarova emphasized that not all equipment is immediately ready for delivery. The U.S. has warned that a considerable amount of time and effort is required to replenish its weapon stockpiles and reach a production level that meets Ukraine’s demands.

Ukrainian forces have launched a devastating drone attack on multiple Russian oil depots and energy hubs, including a fuel plant in Smolensk and the Lipetsk Tractor Plant, which produces parts for military vehicles. The attacks, which involved dozens of drones, resulted in raging fires and explosions, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky. Ukrainian officials have claimed responsibility for the strikes, while Russian authorities have admitted to some attacks but downplayed their impact.

Two former employees of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a Montreal-based United Nations agency, have been charged with conspiring to illegally sell Chinese drones and other military equipment to Libya in violation of international sanctions. Fathi Ben Ahmed Mhaouek, 61, and Mahmud Mohamed Elsuwaye Sayeh, 37, have been charged under the United Nations Act and Regulations relating to the implementation of United Nations resolutions and special economic measures on Libya. Mhaouek was arrested and is scheduled to appear in Quebec Court in Montreal, while Sayeh is still wanted and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. The RCMP alleges that the two men used foreign front companies to circumvent existing international sanctions to facilitate their illegal activities, which included facilitating purchases of Libyan oil between prohibited entities and the People’s Republic of China.