War

After the promise of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to help Kyiv with long-range weapons, the first contract has been signed off for the production of long-range UAVs in Ukraine. This is reported by Welt, Ukrinform saw. "Representatives of the German government have signed the first contract to finance long-range weapons for Ukraine. These are over 500 long-range Antonov-196 (AN-196) drones," the report says. The kamikaze drones will boast a flight range of 1,200 kilometers, carrying nearly 50kg worth of explosive charges, the outlet reported, citing its own sources. The drones will be manufactured over the coming months. Read also: German…

A new joint weapons production program with international partners is now being launched in Ukraine and in Ramstein-format partner countries. As reported by Ukrinform, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced the initiative on Facebook. According to Umerov, Ukraine possesses invaluable experience in modern warfare, has its own effective weapons and military equipment, and the ability to test them directly on the battlefield. “Soon, Ukrainian arms and defense equipment manufacturers will receive a special legal and tax framework that will enable them to rapidly scale and modernize production, as well as build new facilities,” the minister noted. The initiative focuses primarily…

The Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Major General Andrii Hnatov, has ordered a comprehensive audit of all components involved in countering Russian drones. This was announced by the General Staff on Facebook following a high-level coordination meeting focused on defending against Russian attack UAVs. The meeting was held in line with a decision by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff and directives from Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Syrskyi. During the meeting, representatives from the Air Force Command, Unmanned Systems Forces, logistics divisions, and other military leadership…

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has officially codified and approved the domestically produced RONNI-13 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for deployment in the Armed Forces. As reported by Ukrinform, citing the Main Directorate for Support of the Life Cycle of Weapons and Military Equipment, the RONNI-13 features fiber-optic control and was developed based on the real-world combat experience of Ukraine’s defenders. The drone is equipped with a lightweight, high-durability frame, capacitive batteries, and powerful brushless motors, enabling it to deliver a combat payload over long distances to target enemy personnel and equipment. Depending on mission requirements, the RONNI-13 can be…

This fall, Norway will send F-35 fighter jets to Poland, strengthening its contribution to NATO's air and missile defense. This was reported by the Norwegian Ministry of Defense on social media X, according to Ukrinform. As noted, Norwegian fighter jets will be deployed in Poland to support the mission to protect Polish airspace and a key logistics center for providing assistance to Ukraine in Rzeszów. “This is a vital contribution. We are helping ensure that support to Ukraine reaches its destination, and that Ukraine can continue its fight for freedom,” said Norwegian Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik. Read also: Norway…

The Edelweiss Brigade deployed in Chernivtsi their first personal recruiting center. This was reported on Facebook by the head of the Chernivtsi Regional Military Administration, Ruslan Zaparaniuk, Ukrinform reports. "Today, the legendary 108th Mountain Assault Battalion of the 10th Edelweiss Brigade opened their first recruiting center in Ukraine, which is also the first recruiting center for the 10th Brigade in general. It is located in the center of Chernivtsi!" the official wrote. Read also: DPRK deploys up to 11,000 elite troops to war in Ukraine – Defense Ministry Zaparaniuk noted that this is a unique opportunity for all those seeking…

Deputy Head of the Ukrainian President’s Office, Pavlo Palisa, reflected on the results achieved at a number of international events that took place this week in terms of Ukraine’s defense. The review was posted on the official’s Facebook page, Ukrinform reports. "This week there were many international events: highest-level meetings in the UK and the Netherlands, the NATO Summit in The Hague, attended by Ukraine’s delegation led by President Volodymyr Zelensky. I’d like to summarize the results related to the military field." Palisa stated that in London, President Volodymyr Zelensky and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer agreed to launch co-production…

Anti-personnel mines are a tool that very often has no alternative when a country’s armed forces are on a defensive. This was emphasized by President Volodymyr Zelensky in an address to the nation on Sunday, Ukrinform reports. The Head of State noted that today, June 29, he signed a decree putting into effect the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine regarding the Ottawa Convention (on banning anti-personnel mines). Read also: MFA explains Ukraine's decision to withdraw from Ottawa Convention "Russia has never been a party to this convention and uses anti-personnel mines with extreme cynicism. And…

The amount of contributions to the accounts of the Demining Capabilities Coalition of Ukraine (DMCC) in 2025 has already reached EUR 93 million. The number was voiced during the 14th meeting of the working group of the Coalition member states, held in Reykjavik (Iceland), Ukrinform reports with reference to the Ministry of Defense. One of the main outcomes of the meeting was the detailing of proposals for contributions from the coalition member states to equip and train demining units from the State Special Transport Service and Support Forces Command. Photo: Ministry of Defense According to the head of the Main…

Lithuania has submitted to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres documents on the country’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, which proscribes the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines. This was reported by LRT, referring to Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, Ukrinform saw. “Today, Lithuania has formally notified the UN Secretary-General of its withdrawal from the Mine Ban Treaty. This decision was not taken lightly. Lithuania harbors no illusions: Putin’s Russia is the greatest long-term existential threat to Europe. It wages war to achieve political goals, undermines stability through sabotage, and is preparing for prolonged confrontation,” Budrys wrote on X. In the…