Ukraine: Medvedev Promises More Conquests a Year on from Annexation of Territories
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has declared that Russia will continue to seize territory in Ukraine, one year after the annexation of four Ukrainian regions. The annexation, presented by Vladimir Putin as the fulfillment of the imperial project of ‘New Russia’, has sparked condemnation from Ukraine and its Western supporters. Medvedev stated on Telegram, “The special military operation in Ukraine will continue until the complete destruction of the Nazi regime in Kiev and the liberation of originally Russian territories from the hands of the enemy.” He also added, “Victory will be ours. And more new regions will join Russia.” In a speech broadcast by the Kremlin, President Putin promised the regeneration and socio-economic development of the annexed regions in Ukraine. Despite this, Russia only partially controls these regions and faces a counter-offensive from Ukraine, which seeks to retake them.
Move to Attract Defence Industrialists to Produce Weapons in Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has initiated an international forum in Kyiv that aims to attract manufacturers capable of producing weapons in Ukraine. Zelenskyy hopes to build an arsenal against Russia and reduce Ukraine’s dependency on Western arms deliveries. The forum brought together 252 defence sector companies from around the world, with the goal of convincing them to establish themselves in Ukraine. Zelenskyy declared that the objective is to “build a modern and powerful arsenal” to counter Russia’s military production capabilities. He offered attendees the perks of a ‘special economic regime’ if they joined the so-called ‘Alliance of Defence Industries’. The leader also announced the creation of a “special defence fund” for military production, financed in part by the profits from the sale of confiscated Russian assets.
Russia Claims Airstrike Successes
Russia’s Defense Ministry released its weekly briefing, detailing the Russian army’s nine group strikes on Ukrainian targets. The strikes involved long-range precision weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles. According to Russian Defense Ministry Spokesman Igor Konashenkov, the strikes destroyed ammunition depots, military-technical hardware, and training sites. He also claimed that foreign mercenaries’ accommodation points were disrupted, along with the supply of foreign-made weapons and logistical support for Ukrainian troops. These strikes are part of Russia’s ongoing military campaign in Ukraine.
Wagner Commander Takes Charge of Volunteers
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered one of the top commanders of the Wagner military contractor, Andrei Troshev, to take charge of volunteer units fighting in Ukraine. This move signals the Kremlin’s intention to continue using mercenaries following the death of Wagner’s chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin. Putin tasked Troshev with forming volunteer units that would perform combat tasks, primarily in the zone of the special military operation in Ukraine. Wagner mercenaries have played a crucial role in Moscow’s military campaign in Ukraine, including the capture of the city of Bakhmut. Ukraine’s troops are now attempting to reclaim the city as part of their counteroffensive.
Zelenskyy Pays Respects to Babi Yar Massacre Victims
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy paid his respects to the victims of the Babi Yar massacre on the 82nd anniversary of the tragic event. Babi Yar, a ravine in Kyiv, is where nearly 34,000 Jews were killed within 48 hours in 1941 during Nazi occupation. The killing was carried out by SS troops along with local collaborators. Zelenskyy placed candles during a memorial service and expressed gratitude to the Jewish community for hosting the event.