KYIV, Ukraine, Aug 24, (AP): Ukraine’s military says it used high-precision US glide bombs to strike Russia’s Kursk region, and that is has recaptured some territory in the eastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv that has been under a Russian offensive since spring. Ukraine’s Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Mykola Oleschuk issued a video Thursday night purporting to show a Russian platoon base being hit in Kursk, where Ukrainian forces launched a surprise cross-border incursion on Aug.

6. He said the attack with GBU-39 bombs, which were supplied by the United States, resulted in Russian casualties and the destruction of equipment. The video showed multiple explosions and plumes of smoke rising at the site. Many of Ukraine's backers oppose the country using donated weapons for anything but defensive purposes. However, Ukraine has argued that its Kursk incursion is essentially defensive and aimed at minimizing attacks on Ukrainian soil from that Russian region. US officials have said that Washington supports Ukraine's use of shorter-range weapons such as glide bombs in its attacks across the border.

The US so far only has put a limit on the use of longer-range ATACMS missiles for strikes deep into Russia. US President Joe Biden said in a statement ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day that he spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday to "express America’s unwavering support for the people of Ukraine.” Biden also announced a new package of military aid for Ukraine, including air defense missiles, counter-drone equipment, anti-armor missiles and mobile rocket systems. White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Friday that US officials have been in near-daily contact with Ukrainian counterparts and have made no recent changes to guidance on how U.S. weapons can be used in the Kursk offensive.