Newsletter 18/03/2024
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Ukraine hopes to start membership talks with EU in H1 2024 – PM Shmyhal
"We are waiting and wishing to have approval by the European Council at their closest meeting [this week], and believe we can begin accession negotiations in the first half of this year," Shmyhal said.
EUR 5B in military aid: EU reveals details of special fund for Ukraine
The European Council today decided to increase the financial ceiling of the European Peace Facility (EPF) by EUR 5 billion in current prices, and ring-fence this top-up for Ukraine, by establishing a dedicated Ukraine Assistance Fund (UAF) within the EPF.
Romanian President approves training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 in Romania
Iohannis also informed the parliament in a letter that he had authorized the transit of military equipment and other cargoes that Finland had transferred to Ukraine through Romanian territory.
President Zelensky, Senator Graham discuss role of U.S. aid to Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has met with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham and U.S. Charge d'Affaires in Ukraine Robert Needham to discuss the situation on the battlefield and the vital role of U.S. aid to Ukraine.
NATO, Ukraine start major defense procurement review
Delegates from NATO and Ukraine will meet at a conference in Luxembourg this week to discuss modernizing Ukraine's defense procurement processes to make them faster, more sustainable and more transparent.
ISW on provocation in Transnistria: Russia trying to destabilize situation in Moldova from within
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believes that the incident with the launch of a drone in the pro-Russian self-proclaimed republic of Transnistria is an attempt by Russia to destabilize the situation in Moldova from within.
War
Russian anti-sabotage boat sets sail from Sevastopol
In the temporarily occupied Crimea, an anti-sabotage boat of the "Grachonok" project has been launched from Sevastopol.
Factors affecting battlefield situation
Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk explains why it is difficult to expect significant changes on front lines without modern tools of war
Economy
Government approves Ukraine Facility plan – PM Shmyhal
According to the Prime Minister, the plan is the basis for the provision of financial support under the programme, which is designed for four years and has a total volume of EUR 50 billion.
Politics
U.S. should designate Russia a state sponsor of terrorism - Senator Graham
Senator Lindsey Graham intends to initiate a bill in the U.S. to recognize Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism.
Defense
Government allocates additional UAH 5B to purchase drones for defense forces
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal has announced the allocation of an additional UAH 5 billion for the Security and Defence Forces.
Exclusive
How the participants in a Russian youth forum from Africa became 'international experts'