News Trending

Zelensky fires head of bodyguard after failed plot

By 73 0

Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has removed the head of his personal security unit following the detention of two high-ranking officials in connection with an alleged assassination plot. Serhiy Rud, who has overseen the president’s security since 2019, was dismissed without explanation, according to a presidential decree.

The state guard administration (UDO), responsible for safeguarding not just the president but also other key figures and their families in Ukraine, saw two colonels detained over suspicions of ties to a Russian FSB-run agent network. Despite Zelensky’s previous claims of Russian assassination plots against him, this recent revelation implicates members of his own circle, including military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov and SBU head Vasyl Malyuk.

Reports indicate that the plot aimed to target Zelensky through kidnapping and assassination, while Budanov was to be attacked with various weapons including rockets, drones, and anti-tank grenades.

Though Serhiy Rud’s dismissal was announced, there’s no indication of his involvement in the alleged plot. However, one of the detained colonels, Andriy Huk, was reportedly a close acquaintance from their time studying together.

Maj Gen Rud, who has a long military career focused on state security, has seen numerous attempts on Zelensky’s life, notably during the early stages of the Russian invasion in 2022.

Zelensky’s frequent replacements of key security figures have been noted, with the recent removal of special forces commander Col Serhiy Lupanchuk being another example. Additionally, Gen Valerii Zaluzhnyi, who previously led Ukraine’s defense during the invasion, was replaced and subsequently appointed as Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK, receiving the title “Hero of Ukraine.”

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Ukraine lowers combat call-up age to boost numbers

By 105 0

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has approved a legislation reducing the military mobilization age from 27 to 25, aiming to bolster Ukraine’s armed forces amid heavy losses in the ongoing conflict with Russia. The decision, which was previously passed by MPs in May 2023 but awaited Zelensky’s signature, comes amid concerns over potential Russian offensives in the coming months.

Zelensky had expressed the need for an additional 500,000 soldiers, and this move is seen as a step towards replenishing reserves, especially as volunteer numbers had declined. The intention behind the law’s enactment now may be linked to strategic preparations against possible Russian advancements.

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has reached a stalemate, with Ukrainian forces unable to make significant territorial gains due to Russian military superiority and formidable defenses. Furthermore, Ukraine’s military operations have been constrained by a reduction in foreign aid, particularly from Western sources, which have been hindered by political disputes.

The casualty figures on both sides remain contentious. While Russian President Vladimir Putin has not disclosed the number of Russian military personnel casualties, a US intelligence report estimated significant losses among Russian forces. Likewise, Ukrainian casualties have been substantial, with conflicting reports on the exact numbers of soldiers killed and injured.

Overall, Zelensky’s approval of the bill reflects Ukraine’s determination to bolster its defenses in the face of ongoing conflict and potential future escalations with Russia.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Hungary blocks €50bn of EU funding for Ukraine

By 138 0

Hungary, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, has blocked €50 billion in EU aid for Ukraine, a move that comes just hours after EU leaders reached an agreement to begin membership talks. Orban, known for maintaining close ties with Russia, announced the veto, citing opposition to additional financial support for Ukraine. While the EU leaders unanimously agreed on aid and wider budget proposals, Hungary’s objection led to the postponement of aid negotiations until early next year. Despite Hungary’s stance, the EU proceeded with granting membership talks to Ukraine, Moldova, and candidate status to Georgia.

The decision to block aid raises concerns for Ukraine, which heavily relies on EU and US funding in its ongoing struggle against Russian forces. This setback comes at a time when Ukraine is also seeking approval for a $61 billion US defense aid package, facing delays due to disagreements among US lawmakers. The potential implications for Ukraine’s counter-offensive against Russian forces, especially with the arrival of winter, heighten anxieties about the country’s ability to resist the occupation.

President Zelensky of Ukraine expressed gratitude for the EU’s decision on membership talks, despite the aid block. The EU’s move to include Ukraine and Moldova in accession talks was celebrated as a “victory” by Zelensky, who emphasized the importance of the decision for both countries. Moldova’s President Maia Sandu also welcomed the development, acknowledging the shared path to EU accession with Ukraine. Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised the decision as a “strong sign of support,” highlighting that both Ukraine and Moldova belonged to the “European family.”

Prime Minister Orban, in a video message on Facebook, distanced himself from his EU counterparts, labeling Ukraine’s membership as a “bad decision” and reiterating Hungary’s opposition to providing substantial funds to Ukraine. The EU’s decision to open accession talks does not guarantee immediate membership for Ukraine, as the process involves passing numerous reforms and adhering to EU standards, a journey that can span several years. Despite the challenges, the EU’s commitment to engaging in talks signals a significant step toward fulfilling Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

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

By 194 0

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.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright