West extends more help to Ukraine as new Russian offensive expected

Western allies stepped up their support of Ukraine with additional funding, sanctions against Moscow and expanded military training while Kyiv’s defense minister predicted a new Russian offensive.

With Russia’s spop in its 10th month, European Union leaders agreed on Thursday to provide 18 billion euros in financing to Ukraine next year and hit Moscow with a ninth package of sanctions. 

The measures designate nearly 200 more people and bar investment in Russia’s mining industry, among other steps.