The first ten Leopard 1 battle tanks, which Denmark supplies to Kiev in cooperation with Germany and the Netherlands, have arrived in Ukraine. Ten more tanks are already on their way, the Danish Ministry of Defense announced on Friday. In the evening, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev called on the international community to impose further sanctions against Russia. Meanwhile, in the Russian border region of Bryansk, a train station and an electronics factory were targeted by drone attacks.
Denmark: The first ten Leo 1 tanks have arrived in Ukraine
Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands decided to work together in February. Ukraine received the first Leopard 1A5 main battle tanks from Germany in July. On Tuesday, the federal government announced that it would deliver another 90 tanks of this model to Kiev together with Copenhagen. Denmark and the Netherlands also announced in April that they would supply Ukraine with a total of 14 new Leopard 2 tanks.
Zelensky calls for further sanctions against Russia
Zelenskyi said in his evening video address on Friday: “We are now seeing a sanctions breach from our partners that is taking too long.” He criticized that there were “too active attempts by Russia to circumvent the sanctions.” There are three priorities: further sanctions on Russia’s energy sector, restrictions on Moscow’s supply of chips and microelectronics, and a further blockade of Russia’s financial sector. “This global sanctions offensive must continue.”
Since Russia’s attack on Ukraine in February 2022, numerous countries have imposed sanctions against Russia. The 27 EU countries launched eleven sanctions packages. The measures are aimed at weakening Russia’s economy and limiting its ability to wage war. In addition to economic and financial sanctions, this also includes punitive measures against approximately 1,800 individuals and organizations. In addition to the Russian government, high-ranking military personnel and business people are also affected.
IAEA: Signs of more fighting around Zaporizhia nuclear power plant
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts stationed at Ukraine’s Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, occupied by Russian forces, have heard numerous explosions over the past week. This is a possible sign of increased military activity in the region, which could also pose a potential threat to nuclear security locally, Director General Rafael Grossi said in a statement on Friday.
Since last Saturday, the IAEA team has heard about 20 explosions in three days, followed by several more in recent days. There was no damage to the facility itself, the company said.
Russian troops occupied the nuclear power plant shortly after the start of the war of aggression ordered by President Vladimir Putin more than eighteen months ago. The plant came under fire several times, increasing international concern about a nuclear catastrophe despite its closure.
Drone attacks on factory and train station in Bryansk, Russia
According to Bryansk Governor Alexander Bogomas, Russian air defenses intercepted at least three drones over or approaching the city. Two of the planes reportedly damaged the train station and an industrial administration building in the crash. No one was injured. The governor blamed Ukraine for the attack. According to authorities and Russian media reports, Bryansk was already attacked with drones on Thursday, including the train station.
Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi makes a surprise visit to Ukraine
Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi made a surprise visit to Ukraine on Saturday. As Japan’s Kyodo news agency reported, citing the government in Tokyo, the unannounced visit is aimed at supporting Ukraine in its defensive battle against Russia. Japan, in line with the West, has imposed sanctions on Russia and supports Ukraine. However, the country’s pacifist constitution does not allow Japan to supply weapons to Ukraine.
It is the first visit by a Japanese foreign minister to Ukraine since Moscow began its war of invasion in February last year. In March this year, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also paid a surprise visit to Ukraine.
What will be important on Saturday
The G20 Summit of Heads of State and Government of leading industrialized and emerging countries begins in New Delhi, India. However, the meeting is in danger of failing due to a dispute over a clear condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Local and regional elections are being held in Russia until Sunday. The Kremlin organized sham votes in the annexed Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia and Kherson. These votes organized by the occupying power have no international validity. (sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
