2023-10-11 10:03:18
► Zelensky says he has obtained assurances that American aid will be “constant and uninterrupted”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday October 11 that he had obtained assurances from Washington that military aid to his country would remain. “constant and uninterrupted”while kyiv expects a new Russian bombing campaign this winter.
“It has been made clear that America will continue to provide Ukraine with the constant and uninterrupted support necessary for its defense”declared Volodymyr Zelensky in his daily message, after a meeting in Brussels with the American Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin.
► Moscow ensures progress towards Avdiïvka
The Russian army assured on Wednesday that it had “improved” its positions thanks to its large-scale offensive around the town of Avdiïvka, in eastern Ukraine, even if the Kiev forces claim for their part to have repulsed its assault.
The attack on this industrial city in Donbass seemed to worry the Ukrainian authorities on Tuesday. Ukraine had reported“massive attacks” Russian soldiers, warning that they were trying to surround Avdiïvka, before saying at the end of the day that they had succeeded in “prevent loss of positions”.
► Ukraine calls for more international aid for mine clearance
Ukraine on Wednesday called for greater international support in the process of clearing large parts of its territory infested with mines and other explosive devices, at a donor conference hosted by Croatia.
In Ukraine, the permanent danger of antipersonnel mines
“The mines and the shells (unexploded) Russians in Ukraine are a problem that must be solved together »declared Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Chmyhal, who addressed the conference participants via video.
He said some six million people are directly at risk of mines after a large-scale mining campaign carried out in combat zones since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Some 30% of Ukraine’s territory would be contaminated, according to figures from Kiev.
► Volodymyr Zelensky visits Brussels, NATO headquarters
The Ukrainian president arrived at NATO headquarters on Wednesday October 11 to participate in a meeting of the organization’s defense ministers, a surprise visit which had not been announced.
“Your fight is our fight, your safety is our safety”said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, receiving President Zelensky in Brussels.
► Zelensky wants to organize Ukraine’s “resilience” this winter
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday considered his visit to NATO in Brussels essential to organize the ” resilience “ of Ukraine this winter, the country fearing a new Russian bombing campaign against its energy infrastructure.
Important visit to NATO HQ to strengthen our resilience as winter approaches.
I will meet with @JensStoltenberg, @SecDefand address the Ramstein meeting. I will also hold talks with @alexanderdecroo.
The key focus: our common defense of freedom and people.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Volodymyr Zelensky (@ZelenskyyUa) October 11, 2023
His first trip to Alliance headquarters since the Russian invasion began in February 2022 will be a moment “key to our resilience this winter”he estimated on Telegram.
Volodymyr Zelensky also said he would participate ” for the first time “ in person at a so-called Ramstein meeting, which coordinates Western military aid to Ukraine, whose army has been engaged in a difficult counter-offensive for four months.
► London promises to help Ukraine clear mines
Britain’s defense minister has announced new support for Ukraine, worth more than £100 million (€115 million), including mine clearance systems.
London wants to help kyiv to “clear minefields”, “maintain its vehicles and consolidate its defensive fortifications to protect essential national infrastructure”according to a press release from the British Ministry of Defense.
“Ukraine is now the most mined country on Earth”which constitutes the « principal obstacle » to the counter-offensive, he argues.
► Germany accelerates its arms deliveries
Germany will deliver new air defense systems, tanks and other armored vehicles to Ukraine in the coming weeks “in order to protect essential infrastructure for the start of winter”the Ministry of Defense announced on Tuesday.
Berlin plans to supply a third and fourth Iris-T air defense system in October. One will be configured with guided missiles for medium range, the other for short range, the ministry said in a press release.
” In the next weeks “10 additional Leopard 1A5 battle tanks, three Guepard anti-aircraft battle tanks, 15 protected transport vehicles and almost 20 protected medical vehicles will arrive in Ukraine, the ministry added.
Additional 155mm ammunition is being delivered. All of these supplies have a value of around one billion euros, according to the ministry.
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