Newsletter 26/09/2024
Daily news digest
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Biden announces USD 7.9 B aid for Ukraine and new sanctions against Russia
U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Thursday, September 26, the allocation of $7.9 billion in defense aid to Ukraine and the imposition of new sanctions against Russia.
"…I have authorized $5.5 billion in Presidential Drawdown Authority to ensure this authority does not expire, so that my Administration can fully utilize the funding appropriated by Congress to support the drawdown of U.S. equipment for Ukraine and then replenish U.S. stockpiles," Biden said.
He said that the Pentagon will announce the allocation of $2.4 billion in security assistance under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative to provide Ukraine with additional air defense, drones, and air-to-ground munitions, as well as to strengthen Ukraine's defense industrial base and support its maintenance.
Biden noted that to enhance Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities, he decided to provide Ukraine with Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) long-range munitions.
The U.S. President also noted that to further strengthen Ukraine’s air defense, he directed the Department of Defense to refurbish and provide Ukraine with an additional Patriot air defense battery and missiles for it. Read More
U.S. slaps sanctions on Russia over cybercrimes, money laundering
The U.S. government has added to the sanctions list Russia’s online financial platforms PM2BTC, Cryptex, and a number of Russian nationals for cybercrimes and money laundering.
Bundestag approves additional EUR 400M in military support for Ukraine
The Bundestag today [on September 25] agreed to increase funding for military support to Ukraine by around EUR 400 million. This will help purchase additional air defense systems, tanks, drones, ammunition and spare parts, which will effectively strengthen the Ukrainian Armed Forces in defending their country.
Think tank explains objectives of Putin’s nuclear saber-rattling
Vladimir Putin’s move to expand the existing conditions for Russia's use of nuclear weapons is aims to discourage the West from allowing Ukraine to use Western-donated weapons to hit military targets in Russia.
"Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to threaten the possibility of a nuclear confrontation between Russia and the West in order to exert further control over Western decision-making and discourage the West from allowing Ukraine to use Western-provided weapons to strike military objects in Russia.," said in a report by the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) think tank
G7+ declaration supports Ukraine's path to EU - Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the Joint Declaration of Support for the Recovery and Reconstruction of Ukraine, adopted by the G7+ countries, is an obligation to help the country recover from the war and support its efforts towards European integration.
War
Injury toll in night airstrike on Zaporizhzhia rises to nine
Nine injured, one in serious condition in hospital: the number of victims from the night shelling of Zaporizhzhia has increased. The condition of a 25-year-old man, who suffered multiple injuries, is serious but stable. He has undergone surgery.
Police paramedics evacuated two elderly people from Selidovyi under the sights of enemy drones
Ukraine's interior ministry: 55,000 people included in missing persons register
"Today, the register contains information about 55,000 people. Most of them are military personnel. This number is quite dynamic: when the whereabouts of missing persons are established, in some cases it turns out that a citizen, for example, is in captivity. Unfortunately, we are also identifying the dead among those who were considered missing," said Ukraine's Deputy Interior Minister Leonid Tymchenko.
Successful work of the operators of the 8th regiment of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Russia launches three Kinzhal missiles on Starokostiantyniv – Air Force
Casualties reported as Russians attack railway station in Sumy region
Russians remotely mine approach routes of Ukrainian forces in Kharkiv region
Russian drone approaching Rivne NPP during night attack
Ukraine downs four Russian missiles, 66 killer drones
Shahed drone attack on Kyiv: Falling debris sparks fire in residential building
Politics
China ready to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine in line with its needs - MFA
At a meeting in New York with the head of the Ukrainian President’s Office, Andriy Yermak, and his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi assured him of China’s readiness to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine in accordance with its needs.
Zelensky kicks off visit to Washington
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky started his visit to the U.S. capital on Thursday, where he is to meet, in particular, with representatives of both parties in Congress, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Russia’s nuclear policy “totally irresponsible” - Blinken
Biden to convene next meeting of Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Oct
Korea at UN: Russia exploits veto to undermine non-proliferation regime
MFA condemns political ads in Georgia using images of Russian war fallout in Ukraine
Blinken explains why billions go for helping Ukraine
Economy
Ukraine already connects 100 MW of gas generation to its grid - expert
Ukraine has already commissioned 100 MW of gas generation, with a further 200 MW expected to be connected by the end of 2024.
“The process is underway. About 100 MW have been built and put into operation, with an additional 200 MW to be added by the end of the year. In 2025, 1 GW is expected to be commissioned by the next heating season,” the expert said.
Germany donating EUR 70M to support Ukraine's energy system
Naftogaz Group increases profit almost fourfold in H1 2024