A major Ukrainian drone strike on Moscow resulted in at least one person killed and three others injured. Video footage captured a significant explosion at a high-rise building. White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby addressed the U.S. perspective on these drone strikes inside Russia, emphasizing that the U.S. does not support or encourage attacks within Russia using U.S.-made weapons. The U.S. aims to provide Ukraine with defensive capabilities to protect its territory, recently announcing a $250 million package of weapons and materials for this purpose.
Regarding the impact of the drone strikes on the ground situation in Ukraine, Kirby noted that there has been no significant change in the battlefield dynamics. Despite recent Russian advancements in certain areas, the overall situation remains largely unchanged. The U.S. expressed concerns about the shipment of ballistic missiles from Iran to Russia for use in Ukraine, particularly highlighting the threat these missiles pose to Ukrainian civilians.
Addressing a report on the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, Kirby refuted claims of lack of transparency and deceptive communication. He emphasized that the administration made sincere efforts to be open and informative about the withdrawal process, including releasing after-action reports and testifying before Congress. Kirby also dismissed allegations of discrepancies between public statements and private discussions, attributing any challenges during the withdrawal to the complexities of the situation.
In conclusion, Kirby criticized the report on the Afghan withdrawal as politically motivated, highlighting the administration's commitment to transparency and accountability in its actions. Despite the tragic events during the withdrawal, including the loss of service members and Afghan civilians, Kirby reiterated the administration's dedication to addressing the aftermath of the withdrawal with honesty and diligence.
