Zelenskyj thanks Germany for new aid package – the night update Japan: North Korea plans to launch a new satellite on December 1

Following the visit of Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius to Kiev, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj expressed his gratitude for Germany’s new arms package. EU Council President Charles Michel promised that Ukraine will make efforts to start EU accession negotiations as soon as possible. And the United Nations has released new information on the number of civilians killed and injured so far by Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine.

Zelenskyj: “New strong support package from Germany”

In view of the announced military aid worth 1.3 billion euros, which will include new Iris-T SLM anti-aircraft missile systems, Zelensky said in his evening video message on Tuesday: “This will protect our cities and thousands of people’s lives from Russian terror .» It is “a new, powerful support package from Germany”.

Pistorius announced the new military aid during his visit to Kiev. In addition to the anti-aircraft systems, the package would also contain anti-tank mines and NATO-caliber 155-millimeter artillery shells.

The head of the Ukrainian presidential office, Andriy Yermak, wrote about four Iris-T systems. According to information on a Ministry of Defense overview list, Germany has already delivered three Iris-T SLM systems to Ukraine. Before Pistorius’ latest announcement, five of these systems had already been announced there. Meanwhile, Pistorius said only about the German Taurus cruise missiles that Ukraine has long requested: “There is no new information about Taurus.”

The President of the EU Council promises commitment to the negotiations with Ukraine

EU Council President Michel, who also traveled to Kiev, assured Ukraine and the neighboring Republic of Moldova of full support in their efforts to quickly start accession negotiations with the EU. He said he intends to do everything in his power to convince the 27 heads of state or government that a positive decision is needed in December.

Ukraine and Moldova are awaiting a decision on starting accession negotiations. The European Commission recommended this step in principle two weeks ago, but EU governments have yet to agree to it. A decision is expected to be made at the last regular summit of the year on December 14 and 15. The result is opened. The main reason is that the reform requirements have not yet been fully met.

UN: At least 10,000 civilians killed in Ukraine

Since the Russian invasion 21 months ago, the United Nations has recorded at least 10,000 civilian deaths in Ukraine, including more than 560 children. Because many bodies have not yet been identified, the actual number of victims is likely to be “significantly higher”, the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva said on Tuesday. In addition, with the help of UN observers stationed on the ground, more than 18,500 injured civilians have been registered so far.

The US fears Russian missile deliveries to Iran

The US government fears that Iran could provide Russia with ballistic missiles for use in Ukraine in the future. In return for this support, Russia has offered Tehran unprecedented defense cooperation, said John Kirby, communications director for the National Security Council. During a visit to Iran in September, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu was shown ballistic missiles, Kirby continued. “We are therefore concerned that Iran is now considering supplying Russia with ballistic missiles for use in Ukraine.”

What will be important on Wednesday

India on Wednesday invited people to a virtual G20 summit, where Russian President Vladimir Putin also plans to speak. Chancellor Olaf Scholz will also participate in the online event together with other heads of state and government from the Group of Leading Economic Powers (G20). (sda/dpa)