After days of bickering, the European Union has agreed on a new package of sanctions against Russia. Meanwhile, Ukrainian leaders once again urged the EU for more weapons.
The night in brief:
EU countries launch new sanctions package
The 27 member states of the European Union have launched a ninth package of sanctions against Russia. On the sidelines of the EU summit in Brussels on Thursday evening, the Permanent Representatives Committee unanimously approved plans that include new punitive measures against Russian banks and additional trade restrictions.
A day-long dispute about possible undesired side effects of sanctions had been settled earlier. Germany, along with countries such as France and the Netherlands, had called for certain rules to be changed as part of the new sanctions package to prevent disruption of trade in agricultural products and fertilizers.
Zelenskyy: Red Cross worker killed in Kherson
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of killing a volunteer at a Red Cross station during the shelling of the city of Kherson. “The woman who died was a paramedic, a volunteer,” the head of state said in a video address on Thursday evening. The recently liberated port city in southern Ukraine was shelled 16 times by Russia alone on Thursday.
Kharkov under fire again
In addition, the northern Ukrainian metropolis of Kharkiv has again become the target of Russian artillery strikes, while fighting continues in Donbass. “The occupiers throw everything and everyone on the offensive. You can’t beat our army. So they physically destroy every town and village so that there are no buildings, not even walls, that can be used for any kind of defense,” Zelenskyy said.
Another call for gun assistance
Zelenskyj urged EU countries to provide modern tanks and anti-aircraft guns for defense against Russia. In a video address at the summit in Brussels on Thursday, he also asked the heads of state and government for large-scale gas and electricity supplies to compensate for the destruction of infrastructure by Russian attacks.
“I ask you to show leadership,” Zelenskyj said. “Whoever will be the first to deliver modern tanks will open the possibility of deliveries from all over the world and will be remembered as one of the greatest defenders of freedom of our time.” There is no rational reason why Ukraine should not get the tanks now. The same goes for long-range artillery and missile systems, which could hasten the end of Russian aggression. “All this would mean an immediate saving of millions of lives.”
Ukrainian commander-in-chief Valeriy Zalushnyi also asked for new weapons for a victory over the Russian army. “I need 300 main battle tanks, 600 to 700 armored cars and 500 howitzers”said the 49-year-old in an interview with the British magazine “The Economist”.
This would allow Russian forces to be pushed back to their pre-invasion positions on Feb. 24, Zalushny said. However, he currently receives less money than he needs. Larger operations are therefore impossible, but a new one is being worked out. “She’s on her way,” the general assured.
Russia warns US against delivering Patriot missiles
Russia has once again warned the United States against supplying Ukraine with “Patriot” anti-aircraft weapons. If such reports are confirmed, it would be a “further provocative move” by the United States, State Department spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in Moscow on Thursday. The US would allow itself to be dragged deeper and deeper into the conflict – “with all the consequences that entails”. Zakharova also announced that “Patriot” missiles would be targeted by the Russian military as priority targets.
Which is important now
After months of disagreement, the EU also wants to take its decision on a European gas price cap next week. At the summit in Brussels, the heads of state and government agreed that work on this would be completed next Monday at a meeting of energy ministers. At the beginning of this week, Germany in particular blocked an agreement due to concerns about security of supply.
Zalushnyj said on Friday evening that he expects another major Russian offensive in the coming year. “Worst case at the end of January”. The Russians would train about 200,000 fresh soldiers for this. For its part, the Ukrainian army is also preparing its own reserves for this. He cannot yet say whether the offensive will begin in the Donbass in eastern Ukraine, in the south, or from the former Soviet Republic of Belarus in the north, with a direct attack on Kiev. Yet sooner or later the Ukrainian capital will be a target again. “I have no doubt that they will attack Kiev again,” Zalushny said.
(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.
