2023-09-28 11:14:33
► Ukraine is “gaining ground” according to NATO Secretary General
The Ukrainian counter-offensive against the Russian army “gaining ground little by little”declared Thursday, September 28 in kyiv, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, while denouncing the “imperialist delusions” from Moscow.
“Today, your forces are advancing. They face tough battles, but they are gaining ground little by little”said Jens Stoltenberg. “Ukrainians are fighting for their families” et “their freedom” et “Moscow is fighting for its imperialist illusions”he added. “Ukraine is now closer to NATO than ever”, he also declared. The Ukrainian president, for his part, assured that kyiv’s accession to the Alliance was only a “a matter of time”.
► Volodymyr Zelensky asks NATO for more anti-aircraft systems for the winter
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in kyiv on Thursday for more anti-aircraft defense systems to counter the “Russian attacks on infrastructure” energy of the country expected in winter.
“The secretary general agreed to make efforts to help us”pour “mobilize members of the Alliance”said Volodymyr Zelensky during a joint press conference with Jens Stoltenberg. “We must get through this winter together, to protect our energy infrastructure and the lives of our fellow citizens”did he declare.
► Ukraine claims to have destroyed 31 drones during a Russian attack in the South
Ukraine’s military said on Thursday that Russia had launched an attack « massive » of drones during the night and that 31 of the 39 Russian drones used had been destroyed.
Natalya Gumenyuk, a spokeswoman for Ukraine’s Southern Military Command, said the Russian drones were intercepted over coastal regions of the Black Sea and were targeting areas further inland. Russia “continues to apply pressure and seek new tactics, in particular by resorting to massive attacks”, assured the spokesperson.
► Russian defense budget up 70% in 2024
Russian military spending is forecast to increase by nearly 70% in 2024, according to a Finance Ministry document released Thursday. A surge which illustrates Moscow’s determination to continue its military intervention in Ukraine despite the human and economic cost.
According to this document, defense spending will increase by 68% in 2024 compared to the previous year and reach 10.8 trillion rubles (106 billion euros at today’s rate).
► The French Minister of the Armed Forces in kyiv to anchor French aid over the long term
French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu arrived in Kiev on Thursday accompanied by defense industrialists to discuss the evolution of French aid to Ukraine and industrial partnerships in a conflict set to last.
For 19 months, the Ukrainian people have faced Russian aggression with courage and determination.
In kyiv, to reaffirm France’s long-term support. By mobilizing our defense industry for ambitious partnerships with Ukrainian industry. pic.twitter.com/QZC7kcVCvK
— Sébastien Lecornu (@SebLecornu) September 28, 2023
During his visit, the minister is due to meet his counterpart Rustem Oumerov as well as the Minister of Strategic Industries, Oleksandr Kamyshin. Representatives of around twenty French companies specializing in the production of armored vehicles, artillery or drones must for their part discuss and sign partnerships with the Ukrainian industry.
► The new British defense secretary received by Zelensky
British Defense Minister Grant Shapps was received by the Ukrainian president on Thursday. Volodymyr Zelensky thanked him for the UK’s support in matters “financial, humanitarian and military”.
I received UK Defense Secretary @GrantShapps in Kyiv.
I am profoundly grateful to the UK for all the financial, humanitarian, and military support, including crucial long-range capabilities.
We discussed further defense cooperation and steps to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense. pic.twitter.com/hITN23AjD7
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Volodymyr Zelensky (@ZelenskyyUa) September 28, 2023
Grant Shaps had already visited Ukraine during the war, but as energy minister. This is his first trip to kyiv since he replaced the previous defense secretary, Ben Wallace, who worked hard for British support for Ukraine last month.
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