Newsletter 15/04/2024
Daily news digest
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Norway donating F-16s to Ukraine to allow deeper strikes into Russian territory
Norway is handing over F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine in belief that the country’s Armed Forces need to strengthen its deep strike capabilities.
Russian troops deploying 'amoeba' tactics in Ukraine – Estonian general
Russia is using so-called amoeba tactics in Ukraine where, because it doesn't have the strength for a comprehensive breakthrough, smaller forces are testing enemy defenses all along the front line in hopes of finding an opportunity.
Biden urges Congress to pass bill that includes aid for Ukraine and Israel
U.S. President Joe Biden had a phone call with top congressional leaders and stressed the “urgent need” for the House to pass the bill that includes aid for Ukraine and Israel.
Cameron tells whether partners could help Ukraine down enemy UAVs as in Israel’s case
The UK Minister of Foreign Affairs, David Cameron, said the Royal Air Force could not shoot down Russian drones over Ukraine, as was the case in Israel. According to him, this would trigger the risk of escalation and a large-scale war in Europe.
Zelensky shown new Ukrainian kamikaze drone
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi was presented with a new model of loitering munition that will be able to strike targets at over 100 kilometers.
"The drone’s max speed does not exceed 180 kmh, so its main targets can be objects moving slower than 130 kmh. This is Russia’s Orlan-10, Zala, and Lancet drones, although theoretically these could be helicopters hovering or flying on opposite courses,” the report reads.
An important element of the new Ukrainian strike system is a drone that works in tandem with the loitering munition, performing the tasks of identifying a target, tracking while the strike drone is approaching, and verifying damage.
War
Border guards repel attack by Russian saboteurs in Sumy region
On Sunday, April 14, in the Sumy region, border guards repelled an attack by a sabotage and reconnaissance group that tried to enter from Russia.
Russia’s war losses in Ukraine up to 454,420
The total combat losses suffered by Russian invasion troops in Ukraine rose to 454,420, with 770 soldiers and officers being killed or wounded in the past day.
Also, Ukraine’s defense forces destroyed 7,180 Russian tanks (+6 in the past 24 hours), 13,796 (+31) armored fighting vehicles, 11,593 (+41), artillery systems, 1,046 MLR systems, 758 anti-aircraft warfare systems, 347 warplanes, 325 helicopters, 9,266 (+31) UAVs, 2,092 (+3) cruise missiles, 26 warships/cutters, a submarine, 15,510 (+51) military vehicles and fuel tankers, and 1,908 (+3) units of specialized equipment.
Defense
Ukraine, Norway discuss steps to receive Patriot systems from other countries - Kuleba
Ukraine is counting on Norway's assistance in obtaining Patriot air defense systems from other countries as quickly as possible, and specific steps by the Norwegian side in this area have already been discussed.
Canada to start sending 450 SkyRanger drones to Ukraine this summer – MoD
Canada will start transferring 450 SkyRanger multi-purpose unmanned aerial vehicles to Ukraine as early as this summer, while Lithuania will allocate EUR 3 million for FPV drones.
Politics
NATO must implement separate Black Sea strategy to protect region from Russia - Kuleba
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba has called on NATO to strengthen its focus on the Black Sea region in order to counter Russian aggression and restore security.
Inerview
Marko Shevchenko, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Moldova
The term in office of Ukraine’s Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Marko Shevchenko, is coming to an end as President Volodymyr Zelensky recently announced the diplomat would be replaced by former Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Oleksiy Danilov.
Ukrinform took the opportunity to speak with the head of the Embassy in Moldova during the International Mayors Summit in Chisinau on April 11. The Ambassador touched on the topics of the perception of Russia's war against Ukraine in Moldovan society, assistance to Ukrainian refugees, the Transnistrian settlement and consular services to Ukrainian citizens living in the Transnistrian region of Moldova, as well as European integration, bilateral infrastructure projects, and prospects for the development of European markets.