This week, fighting continued to rage all across the front lines.
Ukraine has destroyed two radars of Russian S-300 and S-400 air defense systems in Crimea. A drone attack on the weekend damaged two Su-57s, Russia’s most advanced fighter jets. Ukraine has successfully targeted them for the first time.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday that Ukraine had fulfilled all the requirements set out by the EU to start accession talks. Ukraine will receive an additional third Patriot air defense system from Germany in the coming weeks, according to Chancellor Scholz. Germany will deliver the Patriot system along with Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns and an IRIS-T air defense system. Ukraine’s state-owned Ukroboronprom and Germany’s Rheinmetall have established the first joint repair and production facility in Ukraine.
A number of countries that have confirmed attending the Swiss-hosted Ukraine peace summit has dropped from 93 to 78.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi spoke at the G7 summit in Italy. NATO has agreed on a plan for the Alliance to have a leading role in providing and coordinating assistance and training for Ukraine. Hungary will not veto the plan as long as it’s not forced to take part in it. Ukraine seeks to degrade Russian air defenses ahead of anticipated F-16 fighter jet deliveries.
Biden, Zelenskyi sign 10-year U.S.-Ukraine security agreement.
U.S. President Joe Biden and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyi signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement on Thursday aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.
The deal, signed on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy, supports “a bridge to Ukraine’s eventual membership in the NATO Alliance.” Under the agreement, the United States restates its support for Ukraine’s defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“To ensure Ukraine’s security, both sides recognize Ukraine needs a significant military force, robust capabilities, and sustained investments in its defense industrial base that are consistent with NATO standards,” the text says.