UKRAINES DEFENCE MINISTER
ICC issues arrest warrants for Russia army chief, ex-minister
The International Criminal Court said Tuesday it had issued arrest warrants for Russia's chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, and former defence minister Sergei Shoigu. The court issued an arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin in March last year, a ruling that Moscow called "void".
NATO to take greater role in coordination of military aid for Kyiv, says Stoltenberg
During a visit by Stoltenberg to Budapest, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said his country would not block NATO decisions on providing support for Ukraine but had agreed that it would not be involved.
US to send another patriot missile system to Ukraine after repeated demands
US President Joe Biden has authorised the deployment of a second Patriot missile system to Ukraine in response to escalating conflict with Russia. The decision comes following high-level meetings and internal debate over bolstering Ukraine's air defenses. The system, considered one of the best in the US arsenal, will be sent from Poland to assist Ukraine in defending against Russian attacks on its cities and infrastructure.
Western army trainers in Ukraine not immune from strikes, Kremlin says
Western army instructors who train Ukrainian soldiers in the country would have no "immunity" from Russian strikes, the Kremlin said Tuesday, amid reports that France could despatch military trainers to Ukraine. France does not officially have military personnel assisting or training Ukrainian forces in Ukraine at the moment.
China beats the war drums at Shangri-La Dialogue
Chinese Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun delivered a strong message at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, emphasizing China's stance against hegemonism and power politics in the Asia-Pacific region.
US shifts focus to China risks; Zelenskiy arrives at Asia defence meeting
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is anticipated to attend the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference in Singapore this weekend, according to six sources. This comes as Ukraine faces renewed aggression two years after Russian forces invaded. Security assistance for Ukraine is expected to be a key topic at the conference, with attendees including U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun.
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Russian missiles and drones target Ukrainian energy sites
Russia launched 100 missiles and drones at Ukraine, damaging energy facilities. President Zelensky called for international support to counter destabilization and chaos.
NATO chief dismisses Russian warnings after arms restrictions lifted
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Friday dismissed warnings by Russian President Vladimir Putin that allowing Ukraine to use Western weapons to strike inside Russian territory might lead to an escalation. Speaking on the sidelines of a NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Prague, Stoltenberg said the alliance had heard such warnings many times before and self-defence was not escalation.
What is NATO chief's proposal for military aid for Ukraine?
NATO foreign ministers will debate a military support package for Ukraine proposed by alliance boss Jens Stoltenberg, due to uncertainty over future U.S. support for Ukraine due to the possible return of former president Donald Trump to the White House. Stoltenberg has proposed putting military aid for Kyiv on a longer-term footing, along with a multi-year financial pledge. NATO's 32 member countries have different views on the plan, and the ministers will seek to narrow those divisions at their meeting in Prague.
Sweden gives radar surveillance planes to Ukraine air force
Sweden will donate two Saab Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASC) 890 aircraft to Ukraine to enhance its defenses against Russia, as part of a $1.3 billion aid package. These aircraft will improve long-range target identification and support the integration of F-16 fighter jets donated by other Western countries. This contribution is part of Sweden's larger military support plan, pledging $7.1 billion over three years. Sweden will expedite orders for S 106 Global Eye aircraft to replace the donated planes, according to Defence Minister Pal Jonson.
Sweden pledges $1.25 bn in military aid to Ukraine
Sweden has pledged a military aid package of 13.3 billion kronor to Ukraine. The aide will include surveillance aircraft, air-to-air missiles, artillery ammunition, and armored vehicles. The ASC 890 surveillance aircraft will enhance Ukraine's air defense capabilities. Sweden has also committed to significant financial aid packages to support Ukraine's energy supply and overall civilian and military needs, totaling over 100 billion kronor since Russia's invasion in 2022.
Ukraine secures more military aid from EU members
Slow deliveries of support by its Western partners, especially a lengthy delay in military aid from the United States, have left Ukraine at the mercy of Russia's bigger army and air force. European countries have been discussing the possibility of deploying troops to Ukraine in support roles, while talk of giving seized Russian assets to Ukraine has further angered Moscow.
EU tries increasing Ukraine's military support as Zelenskyy tours Spain, Belgium and Portugal
European Union defence ministers are meeting in Brussels to provide military aid to Ukraine amidst Russia's ongoing invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is seeking support from Spain, Belgium, and Portugal to bolster Ukraine's defence efforts. Hungary's veto has stalled 6.5 billion euros in aid. Zelenskyy aims to secure more support, including US-made Patriot air defence systems, to counter Russia's attacks.
Kyiv says first French military instructors to travel to Ukraine 'soon'
Kyiv's army chief, Oleksandr Syrsky, announced that French military instructors will soon arrive in Ukraine to train servicemen. The announcement was made after a video call with French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu. France's defence ministry said the issue is being studied but did not confirm the deployment of instructors.
Ukraine's Zelenskyy gets more air defence missiles from Spain to fight deadly Russian glide bombs
Two Patriot systems are needed to protect the northeastern Kharkiv region, where the Kremlin's forces launched a cross-border offensive on May 10 that left Ukrainian troops reeling, Zelenskyy said. The death toll from a glide bomb attack on a Kharkiv shopping mall Saturday rose to 18, regional Gov Oleh Syniehubov said Monday, with five people still missing.
Seven dead in Russian strikes on Kharkiv as Kyiv pleads for weapons
On Thursday, Russia launched missile strikes on Kharkiv, killing seven people at a printing house and wounding 28 others, as President Zelenskiy criticized Western allies for insufficient military support. The city, heavily bombarded for months, faced an intensified ground offensive beginning May 10, which has reportedly stalled. Around 15 missiles targeted transport infrastructure and the printing house, causing significant damage and casualties. Zelenskiy and other Ukrainian officials have called for more air defense systems, emphasizing the need for greater international assistance to counter Russian attacks effectively.
Concerned about China providing inputs to Russia's defence industrial base: US
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed concerns about China's support to Russia's defense industry, emphasizing the Biden administration's concerted efforts with allies to address this issue. Responding to the UK Defence Minister's claim that China is providing lethal aid to Russia, Sullivan clarified that the US has not observed direct weapon transfers but is worried about China's contributions to Russia's defense production. British Defence Minister Grant Shapps accused China of supplying combat equipment to Russia, noting increased trade between the two nations.
UK defence minister says China sending 'lethal aid' to Russia for Ukraine war
Britain's Defence Minister Grant Shapps revealed evidence of China sending "lethal aid" to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine, during a London conference. He urged NATO to increase defense spending and strengthen alliances to protect democratic freedoms. Despite China's denial of aiding Russia's war effort, it has significantly boosted trade with Russia, reaching $240 billion in 2023. Meanwhile, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan expressed concerns about China's support to Russia's defense industry but noted no direct provision of weapons has been observed.
Germany's military aid for Ukraine to rise by 3.8 billion euros, source says
Germany plans to boost military aid for Ukraine by 3.8 billion euros this year, with 7.1 billion euros already allocated. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius seeks additional funds for weapons and ammunition support, backed by Finance Minister Christian Lindner.
Andrei Belousov says Russia must win in Ukraine while minimising troop losses
Andrei Belousov, Putin's nominee for defence minister, prioritizes victory in Ukraine with minimal troop losses using advanced tools and efficient defense spending. He aims to maximize efficiencies in Russia's war economy amid a bribery scandal at the defence ministry.
Germany needs strong military recruitment, Olaf Scholz says in conscription debate
Chancellor Olaf Scholz aims to bolster Germany's defence through conscription, drawing from Sweden's approach. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, with CDU's support, explores conscription models.
Vladimir Putin begins his fifth term as president, more in control of Russia than ever
Vladimir Putin commenced his fifth term as Russian leader in a lavish Kremlin ceremony, extending his quarter-century rule marked by political suppression, the Ukrainian conflict, and amassing power. Amid escalating tensions with the West and domestic crackdowns, Putin's new term prompts speculation about his agenda and the nation's trajectory.
Russia's defence minister orders more weapons for Ukraine operation
At a meeting with the top military command for Moscow's fight in Ukraine, the chief of the general staff, Valery Gerasimov, who is in charge of the operation, delivered a report to Shoigu, the ministry said on the Telegram messaging app.
Greece rules out air defence systems to Ukraine, prime minister says
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Greece can not offer air defence systems like 'Patriots' or S-300 to Ukraine responding to pressure from EU and NATO allies to send more military aid to Kyiv. With Russia having stepped up air attacks on Ukraine, EU governments are under pressure to supply more protective systems to Kyiv especially countries like Greece and Spain that have such systems in their arsenal.
Arrest of Russian defence minister's deputy may be strike by rival 'clan'
Sergei Shoigu, Russia's defence minister, has tried to send a "business as usual" message since his deputy was arrested on a bribery charge. But the widening scandal looks bad for him too, and is seen as a push by a rival clan to dilute his power.
Russia to intensify strikes on Western weapons in Ukraine, defence minister says
Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu announced plans to escalate attacks on Ukrainian storage bases holding Western weapons. Shoigu claimed Russia has challenged the perceived superiority of Western arms and seized the initiative along the 1,000 km front. This comes as the US prepares to send Ukraine a $61 billion military aid package, including ATACMS missile systems. Shoigu pledged to enhance Russia's military in response to perceived threats from the US and its allies, focusing on targeting logistics and storage of Western weaponry.
G7 powers to boost Ukraine air defences in face of Russian strikes
G7 powers are determined to bolster Ukraine's air defences, their foreign ministers said on Friday after repeated Russian air strikes which have wrecked power infrastructure and killed hundreds. The Group of Seven major powers -- Italy, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Britain, the United States and European Union representatives -- has been fiercely critical of Russia's two-year long invasion of Ukraine.
Dialogue must remain open with Russia, Italy defence minister says
Italy's defense minister emphasized the importance of keeping communication open with Russia despite its invasion of Ukraine. Guido Crosetto's comments come after French Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu's recent phone call with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, where France condemned Russia's actions in Ukraine. Crosetto stated that while Italy and France support Ukraine, maintaining open channels of communication is crucial to achieving a just peace and stopping further Russian attacks.
Ukraine's allies not giving enough air defence, minister says
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expressed frustration over the lack of air defense support from Ukraine's partners against Russian missile attacks. Despite having over 100 Patriot missile defense systems, Kuleba stated that partners have been unwilling to share even a few more systems, which Ukraine considers crucial for additional protection. Kuleba highlighted the urgent need for more robust support, as Russia has intensified attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. He emphasized the importance of political will in providing the necessary support to Ukraine to prevent a larger war in Europe.
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