Newsletter 07/05/2024
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SBU exposes network of Russian agents preparing Zelensky's assassination
The SBU investigators foiled the Russian FSB's plans to eliminate President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and other members of the country's top military and political leadership.
One of the tasks of the FSB's intelligence network was to find perpetrators among the military close to the President's security detail who could take the head of state hostage and then kill him.
In addition to Zelensky, the enemy planned to eliminate the head of the SBU, Vasyl Malyuk, the head of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, and other senior officials.
It is noted that the liquidation of the head of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, Budanov, was to be carried out before Easter.
Kremlin using nuclear blackmail to influence Western decision-making on Ukraine - ISW
According to ISW analysts, reflexive control is a key element of Russia's hybrid warfare toolkit — it is a tactic that relies on shaping an adversary with targeted rhetoric and information operations in such a way that the adversary voluntarily takes actions that are advantageous to Russia.
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) hopes for an adequate response from Western countries to Russia's nuclear blackmail.
"They rattle what they have [nuclear weapons]. After all, this is a permanent practice of the Kremlin. There is nothing new here. There are already official statements by the international community. As for nuclear blackmail, of course, this is a matter for the free world, for the West. I think the response will be adequate and correct," spokesperson for the Ukrainian military intelligence agency, told this to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
Denmark announces EUR 33.5M aid package for Ukraine
According to the statement posted on the website of the Danish Foreign Ministry, the package provides basic emergency assistance such as food, medicine, water, and shelter to Ukrainians in the hardest-hit areas.
Almost half of DPRK missiles Russia launched at Ukraine explode midair
Nearly half of all North Korean missiles KN-23 (Hwasong-11) that Russia launched at Ukraine exploded in the air.
Ukrainian prosecutors have already examined debris from 21 of nearly 50 North Korean ballistic missiles launched by Russia between late December and late February.
The debris of the three of those was discovered in the Ukrainian capital and across Kyiv region, and other wreckage was found in Kharkiv, Poltava, Donetsk, and Kirovohrad regions.
Europe being flooded with Russian disinformation, manipulation - von der Leyen
Europe realizes the threat coming from Russia, which is operating within and beyond the EU to seize control over the European continent. By opposing Russia, the EU defends itself – and Ukraine.
In recent weeks, multiple cyberattacks were reported, as well as disinformation campaigns and other hybrid attacks, along with long-term espionage campaigns directed against EU nations.
The goal of all these attacks, the EC president believes, is to sow discord in European societies, which involves malign actions from within and attacks on borders. Solidarity is critical to tackle these threats, she reiterated.
War
MFA Ukraine informs OPCW chief of Russia’s systemic violations
The OPCW head saw a report on systematic violations by Russia of the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. The First Deputy Minister paid special attention to the use by the aggressor state of special ammunition equipped with toxic chemical substances against servicemen from the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
It was noted that Ukraine’s authorities are taking all necessary measures, including  within the framework of pre-trial inquiries, to hold Russian perpetrators accountable.
Belarus to hold snap inspection of tactical nuclear arms carriers
"Today, an order was received from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus to conduct a snap inspection of the carriers of non-strategic nuclear weapons. The division of the Iskander operational-tactical complex and the squadron of Su-25 aircraft are being prepared for performing tasks as assigned," stated by the Belarusian Ministry of Defense.
The inspection will be carried out in accordance with the schedule established by the country's commander-in-chief. The entire range of measures, including planning of, preparation for, and use of tactical nuclear munitions will be tested, the report says.
Demining Ukraine: 47% of farmland in liberated Kherson region cleared
According to the official, another 270,000 hectares are potentially contaminated with Russian mines and unexploded ordnance.
Donetsk region. Footage of police paramedics in the first minutes after the shelling of Kostyantynivka
Yesterday, the occupants attacked the town with an aerial bomb and artillery. Four people received shrapnel wounds. One of the men was in an extremely serious condition.
Law enforcement officers provided medical assistance to the victims and quickly took them to hospital.
Politics
Latvian president confirms participation in Peace Summit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his Latvian counterpart Edgars Rinkevics have discussed the consolidation of international support for the Peace Summit.
Next package of EU sanctions on Russia to include 11 ships - media
In a new package of sanctions, the European Union proposed to impose restrictions on 11 vessels that contribute to Russia's ability to wage war against Ukraine.
Among the vessels that could be targeted by sanctions are four fuel tankers, two oil tankers, two gas storage vessels used in PJSC Novatek's liquefied gas transshipment project on the Kamchatka Peninsula, and a cargo vessel. One of the vessels is the Andromeda Star tanker, which was wrecked in the Baltic Sea and found to hold invalid European insurance.
Publication
China’s Leader Going to Europe to Talk over Trade and Ukraine
Beijing will have to pay a price for failure to stop supplying Russia’s defense industry
The President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping on Sunday, May 5, left for an official visit to Europe, the first such visit in five years.
President Xi’s European tour will include visits to France, Serbia, and Hungary, focused primarily on issues of economy, trade and investment.
Ukraine will be another highlight of Xi's talks with the leaders of European countries, primarily in the context of China's close ties with Russia.