War

The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine released a clarification on being delegated authority to procure defense goods worth UAH 23 billion, aiming to dispel a number of myths in this regard. That’s according to a post published on the agency’s Facebook page, seen by Ukrinform. "Before this case turns in the public opinion domain into allegations of "treason", "money laundering", "highest price tag", "unscrupulous suppliers" and the like, before the enemy starts exploiting this narrative in information warfare, we must clarify the issue. Once again we emphasize: the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine is an integral part of…

Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal discussed with EU Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius at a meeting in Kyiv on December 13 cooperation between the defense industries of Ukraine and the EU. That’s according to the government press service, Ukrinform reports. “Further strengthening of cooperation between the European and Ukrainian defense industries is vital for strengthening the defense capabilities and readiness of the EU for any future aggression,” the head of the Ukrainian government noted at the meeting. Read also: Budanov meets with Ukrainian academics to discuss development of advanced weapon systems in Ukraine He also emphasized that…

Ukrainian arms producers have manufactured and installed a remotely controlled module involving 14.5mm and 7.62mm machine guns on an M113 armored personnel carrier. This was reported by the Ministry of Defense with reference to the Main Department for Lifecycle Support of Armaments and Military Equipment, Ukrinform saw. "Ukrainian gunsmiths have enhanced firepower of the M113 armored personnel carrier, which the Defense Forces receive as part of international assistance. They manufactured the Tavria 14.5/7.62 remotely controlled combat module and installed it on the APC armor," the report says. As noted by Deputy Minister of Defense Dmytro Klimenkov, thanks to the new…

The latest defense assistance package for Ukraine, announced by U.S. President Biden on Thursday, is estimated at $500 million. The relevant statement by State Secretary Antony Blinken was released by the Department’s press service on Thursday, Ukrinform reports. "This additional assistance, provided under previous drawdowns from Department of Defense stocks, is valued at $500 million," Secretary Blinken said. Read also: U.S. State Dep’t announces four packages of economic aid to Ukraine The package includes: Counter-unmanned aerial systems (c-UAS) munitions; Ammunition for HIMARS; 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition; High-speed anti-radiation missiles (HARMs); Unmanned aerial systems (UAS); and Mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles…

U.S. President Joe Biden has approved a new security and defense assistance package for Ukraine, which includes additional air defense systems, artillery capabilities, and other types of weaponry. This announcement was made by White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby during a press briefing in Washington on Thursday, as reported by a Ukrinform correspondent. Kirby stated that the President approved a new security assistance package for Ukraine which includes additional air defense capabilities, artillery, drones, and armored vehicles. He emphasized that the aid is being provided under the Presidential drawdown authority (PDA), and this package is the 72nd of…

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, during a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff, received a briefing on the security situation in Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions. In particular, the discussion focused on the construction of a multi-layered defense line, including circular defense systems for certain towns in Zaporizhzhia region. As reported by Ukrinform, this information was shared by the press service of the Office of the President (OP). "During the meeting, Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration Head Ivan Fedorov reported on the construction of fortifications and the strengthening of operational defense lines. A multi-layered defense line was built in the region, including…

President Volodymyr Zelensky held a Supreme Commander-in-Chief Staff meeting in Zaporizhzhia where air defense and stabilization of the frontlines were on top agenda. The Head of State of Ukraine said this in an evening video address to the nation, seen by Ukrinform.  “A lot of work is required on Zaporizhia: security situation, sky protection. I held a Staff meeting here today, and primarily it was about air defense, stabilization of the frontline, achieving our main security tasks. We need real peace, and therefore, we must be really strong to this end. And we must do everything so that each day…

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine greeted the Land Forces troops on their professional holiday, noting that they carry the weight of defending Ukraine on their shoulders. That's according to the address posted on Zelensky's Facebook page, as seen by Ukrinform. [embedded content] “Today is the Day of the Land Forces— the largest component of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. These warriors carry the weight of our country's defense on their shoulders and endure the toughest battles,” the president wrote on Facebook. Read also: Russian war casualties in Ukraine increase 1,390 in past day He expressed gratitude “for defending us, taking…

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced a €170 million funding package for six European countries bordering Russia and Belarus to strengthen their border security. As reported by Ukrinform, von der Leyen shared the news on social media platform X following discussions with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo. Von der Leyen acknowledged Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Norway for their role in defending the European Union's borders against various threats originating from Russia and Belarus. "They are securing our common borders. So today we’re making available €170 million to support their efforts," von der Leyen wrote. Read…

Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko stated on Wednesday that Ukraine would be able to continue its fight at least through the first half of 2025 even without support from the United States. The minister said this in an interview with El País, responding to a question about the potential cessation of U.S. aid, Ukrinform reports citing Suspilne Novyny. Marchenko acknowledged that such a scenario would present a significant challenge for Ukraine. He stressed the importance of Kyiv having a strategy to establish favorable conditions for cooperation with the U.S. new administration. "It is in Ukraine's natural interest to build trust…