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NATO Commits to “Irreversible Path” for Ukraine’s Membership

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NATO members have pledged support for an “irreversible path” to future membership for Ukraine and more aid. Although a formal timeline for Ukraine’s NATO membership wasn’t agreed upon at the Washington DC summit, the 32 members expressed “unwavering” support for Ukraine’s war effort. NATO announced further integration with Ukraine’s military and committed €40 billion in aid over the next year, including F-16 fighter jets and air defense support. Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized that supporting Ukraine is in NATO’s own security interest.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed the transfer of US-built F-16 jets to Ukraine from Denmark and the Netherlands, expected to be operational this summer. NATO members also agreed to establish a new unit to coordinate military aid and training for the Ukrainian army, aiming to deepen ties with Ukraine. The joint statement highlighted Ukraine’s “concrete progress” on necessary reforms but stated that a formal membership invitation would be extended only when certain conditions are met.

The summit’s declaration identified Russia as the most significant threat to security and criticized China for supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine. Beijing responded angrily, accusing NATO of fabricating disinformation and provoking confrontation. China also urged NATO to stay out of the Asia-Pacific region, accusing the alliance of undermining regional peace and stability by strengthening military ties with China’s neighbors.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attended the summit, meeting with world leaders, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and US politicians, to secure continued support for Ukraine. NATO leaders aimed to present a united front on Ukraine, despite recent Russian gains on the battlefield and the absence of a clear timeline for Ukraine’s NATO membership. The summit, marking NATO’s 75th anniversary, occurred amid political challenges for US President Joe Biden and concerns over potential impacts of US domestic politics on the alliance. Biden reaffirmed support for Ukraine and called for increased defense investment from NATO members.

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Slovakia PM Robert Fico not in life-threatening condition – deputy PM

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Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico underwent surgery after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds during an attack in Handlova. Initially in critical condition, his health has since stabilized. The incident, deemed politically motivated, has drawn widespread condemnation and raised concerns about democratic stability. Despite the suspect’s detention, the motive behind the shooting remains uncertain.

Deputy Prime Minister Tomas Taraba suggested that false narratives propagated by opposition parties may have fueled the attack, echoing previous concerns expressed by Fico about the potential consequences of such rhetoric. The shooting underscores simmering political tensions within Slovakia, sparking debates about the role of inflammatory discourse in shaping the country’s political climate.

The incident has ignited discussions about the broader implications of divisive language in Slovakian society. President Zuzana Caputova highlighted the serious ramifications of such rhetoric, emphasizing its potential to incite violence. The shooting serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by polarizing narratives and underscores the need for constructive dialogue and unity in the face of political differences.

Fico, known for his controversial policies, including calls to end military aid to Ukraine and efforts to abolish the public broadcaster RTVS, has faced significant opposition both domestically and within the EU since returning to power. The attack on him amplifies existing concerns about political stability and underscores the challenges facing Slovakian democracy in navigating polarized political landscapes.

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Zelensky: Russia taking advantage of slow arms delivery

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Ukraine’s President Zelensky has expressed concerns over Russia’s offensive tactics amid delays in Western weapon deliveries, particularly from the US, despite a recently approved $61 billion aid package. Zelensky emphasized the urgency of faster deliveries, citing the need for artillery shells and air defense systems to counter Russian aggression.

The situation escalated after a Russian missile strike killed four civilians and wounded dozens in Odesa. Russian forces also claimed the capture of additional villages in eastern Ukraine, heightening tensions along the frontline.

NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg echoed Zelensky’s sentiments, acknowledging Ukraine’s urgent need for weapons and the detrimental impact of delayed aid on the battlefield. However, he expressed optimism that forthcoming arms deliveries could help bolster Ukraine’s defenses.

Stoltenberg reaffirmed NATO’s support for Ukraine’s eventual membership but downplayed the possibility of an official invitation at the upcoming Washington summit. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces reported withdrawals from positions in Donetsk amidst intensified Russian attacks.

The dire humanitarian situation was underscored by the harrowing journey of a 98-year-old woman who traversed several kilometers to escape shelling in the eastern village of Ocheretyne. Her ordeal serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the conflict.

The long-awaited approval of US military aid offers hope for replenishing Ukraine’s dwindling supplies, which have been stretched thin amid the ongoing conflict. Delays in aid delivery have been attributed to the loss of lives and territory, highlighting the critical need for timely support from Western allies.

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Man arrested in Poland over alleged Russia plot to kill Zelensky

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A Polish man has been detained and accused of collaborating with Russian intelligence to potentially target Volodymyr Zelensky, according to authorities. The individual, identified as Pawel K, allegedly aimed to gather intelligence on an airport in Poland frequently used by the Ukrainian president. The arrest was prompted by Ukrainian intelligence information, though it’s unclear if any information was actually transmitted. If convicted, Pawel K could face a sentence of up to eight years. He remains in custody while investigations continue.

Polish prosecutors stated that Pawel K had offered his services to Russian military intelligence and had direct contact with individuals involved in the conflict in Ukraine. His assignment reportedly involved gathering details about security measures at Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport in southeastern Poland.

Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport, previously a small regional facility, has become crucial for supplying Western military aid to Ukraine since the full-scale invasion. It serves as a significant transit point for military and cargo aircraft from the US and Europe, facilitating the delivery of supplies to Ukraine via trucks.

The airport is frequently used by leaders traveling to and from Ukraine, including President Zelensky, who has utilized it for foreign trips. Notably, other dignitaries like US President Joe Biden have also transited through this airport on their visits to Ukraine.

This incident follows previous arrests related to espionage suspicions, including the apprehension of foreign nationals accused of spying for Russia. They were reportedly involved in installing surveillance cameras, some of which were positioned around Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport.

Additionally, neighboring Germany recently detained two alleged Russian spies suspected of planning to disrupt German military aid intended for Ukraine.

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Ukraine war: Europe split clouds Macron talks with Scholz in Berlin

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French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz are meeting in Berlin amid tensions over Europe’s response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Macron emphasized that Europe’s security, including France’s, is on the line in Ukraine, warning that a Russian victory would be detrimental to Europe. However, Scholz has been more cautious, rejecting the deployment of Germany’s Taurus cruise missiles.

Ukraine is facing a critical shortage of arms, exacerbated by the delay in a $60 billion US military aid package due to Republican opposition in Congress. Despite being the largest European contributor of military aid to Ukraine, Germany faces pressure to do more. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, also attending the meeting, urged their three countries to rally European support for Ukraine, emphasizing the need for tangible assistance over mere rhetoric.

Differences between Paris and Berlin have widened, with Scholz insisting that deploying long-range missiles would require German troops in Ukraine, a stance Macron disagreed with. Macron, while acknowledging the possibility, stressed France’s commitment to peace and warned of Russia’s expansionist ambitions beyond Ukraine.

Ahead of the meeting, Scholz assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of their commitment to organizing support for Ukraine. Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s urgent need for armored vehicles, artillery, and air defense.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg highlighted Ukraine’s dire need for ammunition, attributing recent Russian advances to this shortage. He urged NATO allies to provide necessary support. A Czech-led initiative to procure weapons from outside Europe has secured funding for 300,000 shells, with deliveries expected by June.

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Trump will not give a penny to Ukraine – Hungary PM Orban

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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban recently stated that if Donald Trump were to be re-elected as the President of the United States, he would not provide funding for Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s invasion. Orban asserted that Trump has made assurances to swiftly end the conflict if elected again, albeit without offering detailed plans. According to Orban, Ukraine lacks the capacity to sustain the war without financial and military support from the United States.

Orban’s vocal support for Trump was evident during his recent visit to Florida, where he met with the former president. Notably, Orban did not arrange a meeting with the incumbent US President, Joe Biden. This move has raised eyebrows, particularly as it’s unusual for a visiting foreign leader not to meet with the current administration. Orban’s stance on Ukraine stands in contrast to many European Union leaders who advocate for providing aid to Ukraine and criticize Orban’s close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Concerns are growing within the international community that a potential second Trump presidency could lead to a reduction in US assistance to Ukraine and NATO. The deadlock in the US Congress over a foreign aid bill further exacerbates these worries. Influenced by Trump’s stance, Republican lawmakers are insisting on additional funding for border security before advancing the bill. Trump himself has suggested offering loans to Ukraine instead of providing aid without conditions.

Meanwhile, as Russian forces continue to make gains in eastern Ukraine, the country faces acute shortages of ammunition. Ukraine heavily relies on weaponry from the US and other Western allies to counter Russia’s significant military strength. The ongoing conflict underscores the critical importance of international support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression.

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Ukraine war: Dozens wounded in missile strikes on Kyiv

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Dozens of people were injured in a series of missile strikes on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, overnight, with 53 people, including six children, harmed, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. The attacks occurred after President Volodymyr Zelensky’s plea for increased military aid in the US yielded little progress. Ten Russian ballistic missiles were reportedly shot down, damaging kindergarten and hospital buildings. Zelensky, who left the US prior to the strikes, vowed a response and criticized Russia for targeting residential areas. The EU is set to discuss further aid for Ukraine, and Zelensky arrived in Norway for additional support talks.

The attack on Kyiv followed the use of cruise missiles by Russia, ending a 79-day hiatus in missile attacks. Ukraine’s air force claimed to have intercepted all 10 incoming missiles. The projectiles were identified as Iskander-M ballistic missiles and S-400s, designed for air defense but also used against ground targets. A major cyberattack on Ukraine’s largest mobile network operator, Kyivstar, disrupted operations, impacting millions of people relying on air raid alerts. Additionally, the port city of Odesa faced drone attacks, causing injuries and damage.

Zelensky’s efforts to secure more military aid in the US faced challenges, with President Joe Biden warning Republicans about giving Russia a “Christmas gift” if aid was not increased. Zelensky and Biden agreed to enhance air defense systems for Ukraine. Meanwhile, a summit of European leaders discussed Ukraine’s potential accession to the EU, but Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban opposed opening accession talks, emphasizing the need for support without full membership.

Hungary has previously clashed with EU partners over its stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed Ukraine’s fight as crucial for Europe and urged support for its inclusion in the European family.

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NATO summit to witness G7’s unveiling of a comprehensive security plan for Ukraine

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During the NATO summit, the G7 nations are expected to approve a long-term security agreement with Ukraine. The agreement will encompass provisions for defense equipment, training, and intelligence sharing.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized that this agreement would send a strong message to Russian President Putin. The move comes after Ukrainian President Zelensky criticized NATO for not providing a timeline for Ukraine’s accession to the alliance. Sunak stated that the allies of Kyiv are reinforcing their formal arrangements to ensure long-term protection for Ukraine and prevent a repetition of the brutality it has faced from Russia.

The United Kingdom has played a leading role in this agreement, which involves G7 partners such as Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States. The details of the agreement are expected to be revealed during the summit.

US President Joe Biden has previously suggested a model similar to the US-Israel agreement, which entails providing Ukraine with $3.8 billion in military aid annually for ten years, but without an obligation to come to Ukraine’s aid during an attack. While NATO stated that Ukraine could join the alliance when conditions are met, Zelensky expressed frustration over the lack of a specific timeframe. Despite the absence of a timeline, diplomats pointed out that a clear path to membership has been established, with the application process shortened significantly.

The focus now shifts to the long-term security guarantees that NATO members will offer Ukraine as an alternative to immediate membership. The summit also saw the announcement of military packages for Ukraine, including the training of Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 fighter jets, and the UK’s commitment to deliver combat and logistics vehicles to Ukraine.

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Biden Stands by Choice to Provide Ukraine with Controversial Cluster Bombs

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US President Joe Biden has defended his controversial decision to supply cluster bombs to Ukraine, acknowledging it as a “very difficult decision” but emphasizing the urgent need for ammunition faced by the Ukrainian forces. While Ukraine’s leader praised the move as timely, criticism has arisen from human rights groups and certain Democrats. A Moscow envoy condemned the decision as cynical. Biden, ahead of a Nato summit, stated that he had consulted with allies regarding the decision.

Cluster bombs are internationally banned by over 120 countries due to their track record of causing civilian casualties. The decision to provide them to Ukraine has raised concerns due to the risk of unexploded bombs causing harm to civilians in the long term. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan acknowledged the risk and explained that the decision was postponed as long as possible. Sullivan asserted that the cluster bombs provided by the US are safer compared to those used by Russia in the conflict, with a lower rate of unexploded bombs.

The decision bypasses US law prohibiting the use, production, or transfer of cluster munitions with a failure rate exceeding 1%. Earlier in the war, when allegations of Russia’s use of cluster and vacuum bombs surfaced, the US referred to it as a potential war crime. The UN human rights office called for an immediate halt to the use of such munitions in any location. The Russian ambassador to the US criticized Biden’s decision, highlighting the risk of civilians being harmed by failed submunitions for years to come.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude for the military aid package worth $800 million provided by the US. He stated that it would bring Ukraine closer to victory and democracy over dictatorship. However, human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and the US Cluster Munition Coalition condemned the decision, citing the grave threat cluster munitions pose to civilian lives even after the conflict ends.

The response from US lawmakers on Capitol Hill has been mixed, with some Democrats considering the decision alarming and a mistake, while others, including Republican leaders, view it as a means to enhance Ukraine’s capability to counter Russian forces more effectively.

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