All articles tagged with #russian aggression
Poland is experiencing a surge in voluntary military training and increased defense spending due to fears of Russian aggression, including recent drone incidents and military upgrades along its eastern border, aiming to bolster its NATO defenses amid regional tensions.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need for strong deterrence against Vladimir Putin during her visit to Poland's border with Belarus, highlighting ongoing EU efforts to support front-line states against Russian aggression amid heightened tensions and military concerns.
A bipartisan group of US senators has proposed a $54.6 billion aid package for Ukraine, including weapons and resources, amid ongoing conflict with Russia, though its passage faces significant opposition in Congress, especially from Republicans aligned with former President Trump.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda won a second term in a landslide, securing 74% of the vote in a runoff against Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte, as voters supported his stance on foreign policy and Russian aggression.
The heads of 23 European parliaments, along with the President of the European Parliament, have penned an open letter urging US House Speaker Mike Johnson to submit a draft law providing Ukraine with $60.06 billion in military aid to combat Russian aggression. The letter, initiated by the head of Ukraine's parliament, emphasizes the importance of US assistance and bipartisan unity in supporting Ukraine's fight. Signatories include parliamentary speakers from Germany, Austria, Belgium, and other countries, with the document remaining open for additional signatures.
A video released by a senior Ukrainian UAV operations commander shows a Ukrainian quadcopter successfully taking down a Russian fixed-wing drone by ramming into it over wetlands near the village of Krynky, where Ukrainian Marines have been holding a river bridgehead against repeated Kremlin assaults. The Ukrainian drone, equipped with an explosive, made at least two passes before destroying the Russian drone, leading to jubilation from the Ukrainian flight crew. The commander credited the pilots and ground support teams for the rare air-to-air kill.
Valentina, a 19-year-old Ukrainian mortarwoman known as "Demon," fights in a hotly contested area in Ukraine, seeking revenge for the death of her friends at the hands of the enemy. Despite constant targeting, her mortar unit effectively supports infantry fighters by stopping enemy offensives and destroying enemy positions. Valentina's determination to defend her country and lead the recovery of fallen soldiers reflects the resilience and sacrifice of those impacted by the ongoing conflict with Russia.
President Zelensky addressed the nation, expressing gratitude for support and emphasizing the ongoing battle against Russian aggression. He highlighted global solidarity and recent agreements with Germany and France for defense support, while stressing the need for continued international backing to stop Putin and achieve Ukrainian goals in the war.
Ukrainian forces successfully repelled 29 enemy attacks on the left bank of the Dnipro River in the Kherson region. Ukrainian aircraft targeted Russian military personnel and equipment, while Ukrainian rocket forces hit enemy concentrations and artillery. The enemy launched missile strikes, air strikes, and MLRS attacks, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. The situation in eastern and southern Ukraine remains challenging, with 89 combat clashes reported. Ukrainian units continue to hold their positions and launch counterattacks against the enemy.
Ukrainian soldiers and marines on the Dnipro river front have contradicted official reports of gaining a foothold on the eastern bank, stating that the claims are misleading and that the situation is a "suicide mission." They describe brutal fighting, high casualties, and poor preparation and logistics. The soldiers criticize the lack of psychological preparation and inadequate equipment and reinforcements. The difficult landscape and intense shelling make it challenging to collect bodies, and soldiers often have to step on fallen comrades. Despite the grim conditions, Ukrainian forces continue to fight, prioritizing eliminating Russian soldiers and artillery.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba praised German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for his move during the EU summit, which allowed accession talks for Ukraine by suggesting that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban temporarily leave the room to avoid blocking the negotiations. Meanwhile, Ukraine reported one person killed in a Russian drone attack in the Odesa region, and UK intelligence stated that the 2024 Russian presidential election in the occupied regions of Ukraine will likely be rigged. Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed claims that Russia would attack a NATO country and emphasized that Moscow has no interest in fighting with NATO.
House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the need for the US to secure its own borders before fully supporting Ukraine in its response to Russian aggression. He highlighted the stagnation of a Republican-led border control bill in the Senate and criticized the lack of a clear strategy from the White House to end the conflict in Ukraine. Johnson also discussed the need for reform of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) courts, acknowledging their importance in national security but also their abuse by the FBI.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated during the G7 summit that Ukraine maintains important bridgeheads on multiple fronts and is preparing for future steps with the support of partners. He highlighted Russia's increased pressure on the front but emphasized that Ukrainian forces have successfully withstood attacks, preventing any major victories for Putin this year.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced a €1.3 billion weapons package during his visit to Kyiv, including IRIS-T missiles, ammunition, and anti-tank defense mines. The package aims to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. Germany's funding for Ukraine's defense amounts to €5.4 billion for 2023. Pistorius also toured a military training ground and observed the operation of the Patriot anti-missile complex provided by Germany.
The Ukrainian marine corps has launched an offensive by crossing the Dnipro River and securing a bridgehead in southern Ukraine's Kherson Oblast. They have advanced south, challenging foreign observers who advocate appeasing Russian leader Vladimir Putin. The Ukrainian military strategically used electronic warfare to isolate Russian forces and prevent their drones from operating effectively. Ukrainian drones and warplanes targeted Russian jammers, while the Ukrainian army disrupted Russian supply lines. As winter approaches, the logistic situation for Russian forces is expected to worsen. The Ukrainian marines have successfully repelled Russian counterattacks and expanded their counteroffensive, crossing the river at new locations. Despite the upcoming challenges of winter and muddy conditions, the marines are confident in sustaining their advance.