Weekly newsletter
This is a newsletter of exclusive materials of "Ukrinform" for a week
Photo of the week:
People commemorate the victims of the Russian missile attack on a high-rise building on Naberezhnaya Peremogy, 118, during a public memorial service organized near the site of the impact, on the first anniversary of the tragedy, Dnipro, January 14, 2024.
Interviews and materials:
Defense: Purchase of EW equipment by local communities: idea is right, but there are nuances - Our enemy has been following a similar path for a year now. In 2023, Russia held a record number of tenders for the purchase of electronic warfare equipment at the expense of big business. The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine offered local authorities to take part in strengthening the state's air defense by purchasing electronic warfare (EW) equipment to protect communities from enemy missiles and drones.
Drones for everyone: Manufacturer of "home" drones: how realistic is it, what and how to assemble and test - Recently, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov called on Ukrainians to join the People's Drone project to assemble 7-inch FPV drones at home. This statement stirred up social media, where people began to emotionally discuss the minister's words. In fact, Ukrainians had started assembling "home" drones long before Fedorov's post. It is better to see once than to talk a hundred times. That is why we found one of the course participants who has already mastered this science, sent his first "birds" to the soldiers, and asked him how difficult and expensive it is to be a "people's engineer."
Propaganda: “Ukraine fatigue in the West”: Russian propaganda constructing a narrative - Russian propaganda is actively spreading narratives aimed at disuniting and weakening Western support for Ukraine. Among them is one about the West, which is allegedly tired of Ukraine and has lost interest in helping the nation. It is aimed at manipulating both the political landscape and public consciousness, raising doubts about the need for further support and assistance to Ukraine. The Center for Strategic Comminication will cover the messages that are circulated most often to enhance the narrative.
Explaining complex things in simple words: Massive shelling of Ukraine, Fico's anti-Ukrainian statements, Sweden's integration into NATO - The Center for Strategic Communication and Information Security pursues the efforts to provide a brief explanation to foreign audiences on the current topics of particular interest as regards Ukraine.
Russian fake: Ukrainian woman went to Poland in search of new relationship after her husband was wounded at the front - Two real stories of courage and love were used for fake video about "betrayal"
Top Videos:
Consequence of shelling: As a result of the morning shelling by the Russians, the dormitory was damaged
The second missile attack on Kyiv since the beginning of this year. Almost two dozen air targets were hit by air defense forces and means over Kyiv. But as a result of this combined missile attack in the capital, unfortunately, there is destruction and victims.
The Lokomotiv sports complex in Kyiv was damaged. This was reported by "Ukrzaliznytsia". Every day, more than 500 children of employees and immigrants from Mariupol, Melitopol and Kherson train in the complex.
International support: The Prime Minister of Latvia compared the will to freedom of Ukrainians and Latvians on the "Day of the Barricades in 1991"
Riga. Evika Siliņa, Prime Minister of Latvia:
"We Latvians also fought for our freedom. We were on the barricades (in 1991, ed.). And that's why we understand Ukrainians very well, practically without words or explanations, we understand the whole situation. Our support for Ukraine - both from the political leadership and from the whole society, which is perhaps even more important - is as if it goes without saying, otherwise it simply cannot be. If we had not been united and had not come out to build barricades, we would have lost. As participants in those events in Riga are now recalling, everything was there - both sabotage, and attempts to seize radio and television by force, and attempts to remove the leaders that the people followed. If we had not resisted, maybe there would not be a free Latvia now.
Of course, we understand what Ukrainians are fighting for now. You are defending your state, your freedom. And we are helping you in whatever way we can: financially, with military equipment, politically and emotionally. Of course, war is a test that is incomparable with anything! But I believe that together - the European community, the world community - by supporting you, we will help to protect Ukraine, your people. Let those trench candles that we make - and we also made them today - at least warm you a little in the cold days.”
In January 1991, the Riga OMON (ZMOP), controlled by Moscow, attempted to suppress the restoration of Latvia's independence. Then tens of thousands of Latvians stood up to defend state institutions, around which barricades were erected. During those events, there were deaths and injuries.
In Latvia, a national Day of Remembrance for the Defenders of the Barricades has been established, which is celebrated annually on January 20.
World: A massive rally against the right was held in Berlin
Several tens of thousands of people came to a demonstration in Berlin against right-wing extremism. It was held under the slogan: "Let's protect democracy: together against the right." Berlin has become one of the many German cities where people are protesting against right-wing ideology these days, in particular, the Alternative for Germany party
News that may affect events in the country:
International politics: German politician explains lack of support in Bundestag for giving Ukraine Taurus missiles . The deputy is convinced that everything Ukraine needs in its defense effort to liberate the territories captured by Russia should be ultimately provided to the nation.
At the same time, Roth noted that many supporters of the idea of donating missiles, unfortunately, vainly believe that as soon as the Ukrainian Armed Forces receive the Taurus, "there will be no more problems, and we will finally be able to stop Russia in its tracks."
Support of Ukraine: Kyslytsia: Change in UN Security Council's composition did not affect majority's position on Ukraine
"Moscow uses the rights of the Soviet Union with the consent of the Security Council member states, especially the permanent ones, which are not ready to question the full scope of Moscow's powers in the Security Council, no matter how boldly Russia acts in the international arena, particularly in Ukraine," he said.
International support: EU cannot allow “slowest ones” to dominate – EPP President on Ukraine financing debate
Commenting on the multi-year budget debate, Weber said that member states “continue to talk”, trying “to convince and to argue” with those opposing the decision on providing financial assistance to Ukraine. He also noted the ongoing efforts by Ukrainian politicians to engage with officials in Slovakia and Hungary, trying to convince them to change their stance.
See you next Friday!