Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned his compatriots of more Russian airstrikes in the winter while assuring them of better protection. Just like last year, Ukraine must arm itself against increasing attacks on its infrastructure, he said in his evening speech on Sunday. However, according to Zelensky, Ukrainian air defense is much better positioned this year thanks to Western military assistance.
In NATO country Romania, training for Ukrainian pilots on American F-16 fighter jets starts on Monday and Kiev has high expectations of their deployment. And on Monday, the foreign ministers of the 27 EU countries will discuss the crises in Ukraine and the Middle East in Brussels. In eastern Ukraine, the Russian army is now increasing its attacks around the city of Mariinka.
Zelensky: “Russia is preparing for winter”
“Russia is preparing for winter,” Zelensky warned in his speech. Ukraine must be prepared for an increase in drone and missile attacks on infrastructure. Critical infrastructure includes thermal power plants and power supply, the failure of which can have far-reaching consequences, especially during the cold months.
At the same time, Zelensky promised better protection against Russian attacks than last winter. Together with a number of Western countries, we work daily to improve Ukrainian air defense, which has now been strengthened. However, complete protection of the entire territory cannot yet be guaranteed.
The training of Ukrainians on F-16 fighter jets begins
In Romania, Defense Minister Angel Tilvar and his Dutch colleague Kajsa Ollongren opened the European F-16 Training Center (EFTC) on Monday at Fetesti air base, 150 kilometers east of Bucharest. The Netherlands makes twelve to eighteen fighter jets available for the training, which will be provided to both Ukrainian and Romanian pilots. F-16 manufacturer Lockheed is sending trainers and maintenance personnel. It is unclear when Ukraine, which has been defending itself against Russia’s war of aggression for almost 21 months, will actually be able to deploy the fighter jets in the war zone. It is estimated that the training of the pilots will take at least six months.
Intense Russian attacks have been reported around Marjinka
According to a report from the Ukrainian General Staff, eastern Ukraine has seen particularly heavy Russian attacks recently around the town of Mariinka, just a few kilometers west of the industrial city of Donetsk. About a third of all battles in the last 24 hours took place on this part of the front, with twenty battles. The Russians during this period attacked the town of Avdiivka, which is located north of Donetsk and was also heavily fought, only half as often. The information could not be independently verified.
On the southern sector of the front, the Ukrainian army says it has continued its offensive towards the major city of Melitopol. On Sunday afternoon, the Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR reported an explosion in Melitopol that reportedly killed at least three senior officers of the Russian National Guard (Rosgvardiya). Kremlin-appointed regional crew chief Vladimir Rogov wrote on Telegram in the evening that an “explosion-like noise” in the city was allegedly caused by faulty gas equipment in a vehicle. He said no one was injured.
EU foreign ministers discuss security obligations for Ukraine
At their meeting in Brussels on Monday, EU foreign ministers will also discuss what long-term security obligations for Ukraine could look like. It recently became clear that a plan by EU Foreign Affairs Representative Josep Borrell for longer-term funding commitments for military aid is unlikely to receive the necessary support from all 27 EU countries. The aim was to mobilize five billion euros annually between 2024 and 2027. It is now being discussed whether less extensive obligations could be an alternative.
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is expected in Brussels from Germany. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba will initially be involved in discussions on the situation in Ukraine.
What will be important on Monday
Representatives of the Ukrainian and Polish governments are meeting in the border area of the two countries to resolve the issue of the blockade of some border crossings. Polish transport companies have blocked several border crossings into Ukraine in protest against cheaper competition. The EU foreign ministers also meet in Brussels. (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.
