Russian troops have abandoned their positions on a captured Ukrainian island, a major setback to their invasion effort that weakens their blockade of Ukraine's ports, defense officials said on Thursday. The news from the Black Sea came as North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) leaders wrapped up their summit in Madrid, with US President Joe Biden announcing $800 million in new weapons to help Ukraine fight off Russia's invasion. "We are going to stick with Ukraine, and all of the alliance are going to stick with Ukraine, as long as it takes to make sure they are not defeated by Russia," he said.

Russia abandons Snake Island. (2022, July 2). The Manila Times, p. B9.