**UK Announces Military Aid Package for Ukraine**
The UK has announced a 225 million pound ($283 million) military aid package for Ukraine. The package includes equipment to support the country’s navy, such as small boats and reconnaissance drones.
**Key Points**
* The UK’s defense secretary, John Healey, visited Kyiv on December 18 to meet with Ukrainian officials.
* The aid package is worth 225 million pounds ($283 million).
* It includes over 92 million pounds ($115 million) in equipment for Ukraine’s navy, as well as counter-drone electronic warfare systems.
* The UK has committed to delivering the aid package despite concerns that the US may run out of time to deliver its remaining $5.6 billion in military aid.
**Background**
Ukraine is facing a significant challenge from Russia, which continues to launch aerial attacks against Ukrainian cities. President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Western allies to provide additional air defense systems to help protect critical infrastructure.
**Other Developments**
* A fire broke out at an oil refinery in Russia’s Rostov Oblast after a mass drone and missile attack.
* Russian ice hockey player Maxim Sergeyev was convicted of espionage and sentenced to nearly three years in prison.
* Ukraine is discussing the potential deployment of European peacekeeping forces to the country.
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