Putin promises reconstruction of war-ravaged regions – night at a glance Ballistic missiles from Iran – a new threat to Ukraine

EU foreign affairs representative in Ukraine with promises of help

During a visit to Ukraine, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell assured the country of support in the fight against Russia’s war of aggression and assistance for EU accession. Ukraine needs intact security structures to join the European Union, Borrell said on Saturday in the Ukrainian port city of Odessa.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden quickly called for further support for Ukraine after the US Congress voted to avoid a government shutdown. US support to the country must not be interrupted.

In Odessa, Borrell visited the Black Sea grain export facilities, which are important for world nutrition. Borrell accused Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin of using the blockade and bombing of ports to keep Ukrainian grain off the world market Using hunger as a weapon. Borrell spoke of “barbaric destruction” for a badly damaged port building. Every effort must be made to ensure that the grain continues to reach the world market, he stressed. To this end, the EU is creating alternative ‘solidarity routes’ through which more than 50 million grains and food have left the country so far.

Borrell again condemned the annexation of the four Ukrainian regions of Kherson, Zaporizhia, Luhansk and Donetsk, as Russia celebrated the first anniversary of the areas’ incorporation into its territory. “We as the European Union support Ukraine in its struggle to restore its territorial integrity,” Borrell said.

There was initially no information about the further program of Borrell’s trip, which was not announced in advance for security reasons. Almost two weeks ago, the Spaniard announced that he would organize a meeting of the foreign ministers of the 27 EU countries in Kiev. For German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, the appointment would be the second in the Ukrainian capital in a matter of weeks. The Green politician only visited Kiev on September 11.

As a topic for the planned EU meeting, Borrell mentioned his proposal to make longer-term financing commitments for military aid to Ukraine and to use EU money to support the supply of modern fighter jets and missiles. He wants to mobilize five billion euros annually from 2024 to the end of 2027. Moreover, it is likely to be at least marginally about Ukraine’s EU accession prospects.

Zelenskyj: International Arms Industry Alliance established

Meanwhile, 252 companies from more than 30 countries gathered at an international arms forum in the Ukrainian capital Kiev. Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyj announced the creation of a defense industry alliance, in which 38 companies from 19 countries, including Germany, would participate. In his evening video message, he spoke about a very successful meeting aimed at turning the country into a leading arms producer.

The priority is the development of a modern defense industry in Ukraine, Zelensky said. Missiles, drones and artillery shells, as well as tank technology and effective anti-aircraft systems, will be produced in collaboration with leading companies, he said. The members of the alliance must build an arsenal together with Ukraine.

Biden: US support for Ukraine must not be interrupted

US President Biden quickly called for further support for Ukraine after the US Congress voted to avoid a government shutdown. The Democrat said on Saturday evening (local time) that the agreement was “good news” for the people of the country. “Under no circumstances can we allow US support to Ukraine to be interrupted,” he warned. Congress had previously passed an interim budget until mid-November, averting a so-called shutdown.

Biden had yet to sign the law. However, the agreement does not include any further support for Ukraine. During the vote, Democratic and Republican leaders announced that they would ensure that additional aid for the attacked country would be voted on as soon as possible.

One year of annexation: Putin promises reconstruction of regions

However, Russia made it clear that it would not give up its war aims. The deputy head of Russia’s National Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, said on Telegram on the anniversary of the annexation of the four regions that Russia wanted to take over more regions in Ukraine. The war will continue until the “complete destruction of the Nazi regime in Kiev,” the ex-president said.

Kremlin leader Putin had previously promised that regions devastated by the war would be rebuilt. “Schools, hospitals, residential buildings and streets, museums and monuments” would be rebuilt and rebuilt, Putin said in a video message released by the Kremlin on Saturday.

Putin signed agreements on admission to the Russian Federation on September 30, 2022, in violation of international law and following internationally unrecognized referenda with the occupying leaders of the four regions. Even after more than a year and a half of war, Russia does not fully control any of the four annexed regions.

What will be important on Sunday?

Ukraine celebrates the Day of the Country’s Defenders. Above all, those who gave their lives for the country’s struggle for independence should be honored, Zelensky said. At 9am local time (8am CEST), public life will come to a standstill for a national minute of silence. (cst/sda/dpa)