Newsletter 29/05/2024
Daily news digest
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Sweden announces EUR 1.16B military aid package for Ukraine
"Sweden will donate a new military capability to strengthen Ukraine's air defense. Package 16 will be the largest Swedish military aid package yet at EUR 1.16 billion," said Sweden's Defense Minister Pal Jonson on the social media platform X.
He added that ASC 890 will provide Ukraine with a new capability against both airborne and maritime targets. Ukraine's capability to identify targets at long range will be strengthened. They will act as a force multiplier with the introduction of F-16. AMRAAMs will also be donated.
MFA Ukraine calls on UN to step up support for displaced Ukrainians planning to return home
First Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha, during a meeting with the Coordinator of the UN system in Ukraine, Denise Brown, called for intensifying the support from the UN system for war-displaced Ukrainians who plan to return to Ukraine.
Bodies of all 19 victims of Epicenter attack identified in Kharkiv - search operations completed
Search operations in the construction hypermarket in Kharkiv have been completed. The police have identified all 19 bodies of those killed as a result of Russian airstrikes carried out by the Russian military on Saturday, 25 May.
Police searches in European Parliament offices in Belgium, France amid Russia influence probe
The searches are part of a sprawling probe into a Russian influence operation suspected to have paid sitting Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to spread pro-Kremlin propaganda from the heart of EU institutions in Brussels.
The Belgian prosecutor says the EP employee played a “significant role” in a suspected Russian propaganda operation which infiltrated the European Parliament.
Satellite pics show consequences of strike on Luhansk airfield
The satellite image taken on May 28 shows traces of a large fire, the video of which was published by local Telegram channels recently. The site is located north of the runway, - Radio Svoboda.
Books from Kharkiv printing house destroyed by Russia to be brought to conference on Ukraine's recovery
At the International Reconstruction Conference to be held in Berlin in two weeks' time, in order to attract international partners - and we will take into account the fact that the main brand of equipment used is German - we will encourage both German and other partners to pay attention to the needs of this socially oriented enterprise.
War
Tensions highest at Kupiansk, Pokrovsk axes: 20 combat clashes since day-start
Russian army attacks Dniprovske in Kherson region with drone, one wounded
Two civilians injured as Russian drone attacks Ukraine’s Novodmytrivka
Body of teenager found at scene of Russian strike on Selydove
Two killed, three wounded in enemy strike on Krasnopillia community in Sumy region
Ukraine downs 13 Russian kamikaze drones overnight Wednesday
Russia’s invasion forces launched 14 one-way attack UAVs of the Shahed-131/136 type at Ukraine overnight Wednesday, May 29.
Robotic systems needed for medevac - Ministry of Strategic Industries
The Ministry of Strategic Industries, together with the Ministry of Defense and General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, ran demonstration tests of equipment for medical evacuation on the occasion of the International Day of Emergency Medical Aid.
The purpose of the event is to draw attention to the topic of medical evacuation in the war zone, and to encourage firms from partner countries to enter into direct contracts with Ukrainian manufacturers within the framework of the ZBROYARI: Manufacturing Freedom project.
"Such equipment is needed at the front, it saves the lives of both wounded and military medics. Our manufacturers know how to make really high-quality products. They vary from armored vehicles to sanitary, wheeled, and tracked robotic platforms of various modifications. In order for these products to get to the front, they must be procured. The government currently has very limited resources," said Anna Hvozdiar, Deputy Minister for Strategic Industries.
Third camp for Russian POWs launched in Ukraine
Due to the large number of Russians who surrendered and the actual blocking of exchanges by the Russian side, Ukraine is forced to open new detention facilities for prisoners of war.
The captured Russians are not held in high-security colonies together with convicts, but in camps and special pre-trial detention facilities designed specifically for prisoners of war. POWs are allowed to work, do sports, and have leisure time there.
Defense
Lithuania buying radars for Ukraine as part of Air Defense Coalition
The Lithuanian government approved EUR 13.5 million for the purchase of air surveillance radars to contribute to the German-led air defense coalition for Ukraine.
Czech PM: First shells under Czech initiative will arrive in Ukraine in coming days
The first tens of thousands of 155 mm ammunition will be delivered in June. Ukraine can expect the first batch in the coming days.
Germany sends new aid shipment for Ukraine’s energy sector
As part of the German-Ukrainian Energy Partnership, Germany has handed over three power transformers and special equipment to Ukrainian power engineers.
Society
Russia plotting sabotage targeting military in Ukraine’s rear - watchdog
The Center for Countering Disinformation recorded a malign information campaign codename ‘Dozor’, launched to collect data on the personnel of Ukraine’s Defense Forces, including military draft officers, equipment and supply routes, military and critical infrastructure facilities.
Lithuania allocates EUR 5M to rebuild schools, kindergartens in Ukraine
The Lithuanian government has approved a resolution prepared by the country's Ministry of Finance on the allocation of 5 million euros to support Ukraine's education sector.
Publilcation
Operation “Usurpation”: how and why the Kremlin is trying to challenge Zelensky’s legitimacy
Russia’s full-scale invasion made presidential elections in Ukraine impossible. They were supposed to be held in 2024. Therefore, the media campaign to discredit the Ukrainian authorities through accusations of “illegitimacy” and “usurpation of power” was only a matter of time.
Late February, the Intelligence Committee under the President of Ukraine warned about Operation Maidan-3, run by Russian special services. The psyop’s purpose is to sow splits in Ukrainian society and weaken Ukraine’s foreign policy support. One of the critical points of the effort is the statement about the “illegitimacy” of all decisions to be made by Ukraine’s authorities’ after May 20 - that is, after the “completion of the five-year term of office of President Zelensky”.