“Ukraine is not a pillow between the West and Russia, it is not a buffer,” Zelensky said
Ukraine is not a “gray zone” or a buffer between the West and Russia, its president Vladimir Zelensky wrote in the Telegram news release, in a publication celebrating Ukraine’s status as a candidate for European Union membership.
“It is officially recognized that Ukraine is not a bridge, it is not a pillow between the West and Russia, it is not a buffer between Europe and Asia, it is not a sphere of influence, it is not a” gray “zone, it is not a transit territory. It’s not the border between orcs and elves, “Zelenski wrote, according to a Google translation of the Telegram’s official channel. Orcs and elves refer to the names that many in Ukraine use for Russian troops and Ukrainians, respectively, drawing on terms from the Lord of the Rings series.
“Ukraine is a future equal partner for at least 27 EU countries,” Zelensky wrote. “Ukraine is a candidate for accession to the European Union!”
– Natasha Turak
Olaf Scholz: Europe must step up its efforts to reduce its dependence on Russian energy
Europe must step up its work to end its dependence on Russian fossil fuels, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told reporters in Brussels.
“Together, we are very, very well prepared for the difficult challenge of importing Russian fossil fuels. This is an effort that we need to step up now – and, of course, this is a major challenge, but we will support each other. “Scholz was quoted as saying by Reuters.
The partial EU embargo covers Russian oil imported into the block by sea, with the exception of imports delivered by pipeline following opposition from Hungary.
Attila Kisbenedek | Afp | Getty Images
He noted the sanctions already imposed by the EU on banning imports of Russian coal and oil, although the latter includes significant exemptions for Russian oil supplied through pipelines, as some highly dependent EU countries such as Hungary and Slovenia protested against the measure.
EU leaders are now worried that Moscow will close gas taps to Europe this winter in response to sanctions. Many energy analysts say a complete cessation of dependence on Russian gas will be impossible in the near future and is likely to take years. The EU imported 41% of its gas and 36% of its oil from Russia in 2020, according to Eurostat.
– Natasha Turak
A captured Russian pilot is a retired major, revealing Moscow’s fighting to the Air Force: Britain
A Russian pilot, shot down and captured by Ukrainian forces, has admitted that he is a retired major in his country’s air force, the British Ministry of Defense wrote in its daily intelligence update. The pilot has joined Russia’s Wagner military treaty group and has carried out several missions in Ukraine, the update said, citing Ukrainian forces.
“The use of retired personnel, now working as Wagner contractors, to conduct short-range air support missions shows that the Russian air force is likely to fight to support the invasion of Ukraine with enough air crew,” the intelligence update said. in a series of tweets. .
“This is probably due to a combination of the insufficient number of properly trained personnel of Russia and its combat losses.”
The Russian pilot reportedly used commercial GPS devices instead of Russian military navigation equipment while carrying out his missions, the defense ministry added.
– Natasha Turak
Ukrainian troops will have to leave Severodonetsk, the governor of Luhansk said
Severodonetsk was a major goal in the Kremlin’s quest to take full control of Luhansk.
Aris Messinis Afp | Getty Images
Ukrainian troops fighting a brutal battle for the strategically important city of Severodonetsk in eastern Ukraine “will have to be withdrawn,” Luhansk Oblast Governor Sergei Haidai said on Ukrainian television.
“To stay in positions torn to pieces for many months just to stay there doesn’t make sense,” he said. Ukrainian forces have lost huge numbers of troops, as have Russian forces, in devastating battles for a key territory that is one of two remaining Ukrainian-controlled cities in Luhansk, part of the Eastern Donbass region, which Russia has called an “unconditional priority” in the military. your pursuit.
Haidai added, however, that Ukrainian troops had repulsed the offensive on the outskirts of Lisichansk, the other remaining Ukrainian-controlled city in Luhansk.
– Natasha Turak
Biden approved a $ 450 million security package for Ukraine
John Kirby, U.S. National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications, spoke to reporters during a press briefing at the White House in Washington, DC, June 23, 2022.
Kevin Lamarck Reuters
The Biden administration announced the 13th package of security aid for Ukraine worth $ 450 million.
“This package contains weapons and equipment, including new high-mobility artillery missile systems, tens of thousands of additional ammunition for the artillery systems already provided, as well as patrol boats to help Ukraine protect its coast and waterways. They said. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby at a daily White House press briefing.
The aid package includes the following, according to a Pentagon statement:
- 4 artillery missile systems with high mobility or HMARS
- 36,000 105 mm cartridges
- 18 tactical machines for pulling 155 mm artillery
- 1200 grenade launchers
- 2000 machine guns
- 18 coastal and river patrol boats
- Spare parts and other equipment
The latest security package brings the US commitment to $ 6.1 billion since Russia invaded Ukraine.
“Amanda Macias.”
Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova are moving closer to EU membership
National flag of Ukraine and EU flag in front of the City Hall in Lille, France, on Wednesday, March 16, 2022.
Chris Ratcliffe Bloomberg | Getty Images
European Union leaders have given Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia candidate status, a significant step on the long road to EU membership. The three countries applied for membership in the European Union in early March.
“Your countries are part of our European family. And today’s historic decision by the leaders confirms this,” European Commission President Ursula von der Layen tweeted.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on Twitter that he was grateful for the support of European Union leaders.
Meanwhile, Kosovo and northern Macedonia, among others, are awaiting their membership bids to move forward.
“Amanda Macias.”
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