Ukraine’s economy shrinks by 30.8 per cent in third quarter
Ukraine’s gross domestic product fell by 30.8 per cent in the third quarter of 2022, demonstrating growth over the second quarter of the year, the State Statistics Service of Ukraine said.
Real GDP grew nine per cent in the third quarter of 2022 compared to the previous quarter. Ukraine’s economy was hit hardest by Russia’s full-scale invasion in the second quarter. The gross domestic product decreased at an annual rate of 37.2 per cent in Q2.
Ukraine’s economy shrank by 30.8 per cent in the first three quarters of 2022 compared with the same period in 2021.
Bakhmut almost destroyed by Russians, President Zelenskyi says
The situation at the frontline on key directions in Donbas remains very difficult, President Zelenskyi said in a nightly address on Friday. The Russian forces have actually destroyed Bakhmut, he said. “The situation at the frontline on key directions in Donbas remains very difficult. No corner of the land in Bakhmut, Soledar, Maryinka, Kreminna etc. has been left untouched by shelling or fire,” Zelenskyi said.
“Russia’s occupying forces have actually destroyed Bakhmut, turning another city in Donbas into ruins and ashes,” he proceeded.
The President thanked the soldiers and commanders who hold the frontline on those axes and inflict losses on the Russian forces.
U.S. announces USD 275 million in new military aid for Ukraine
The U.S. is to send Ukraine a USD 275 million military aid package, the White House said Friday, December 9.
The U.S. Department of Defense revealed what’s included in the package. Capabilities in this package include:
-Additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS);
-80,000 155mm artillery rounds;
-Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems equipment;
-Counter air defense capability;
-High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs) Ambulances and medical equipment;
-Approximately 150 generators;
-Field equipment.