Ukraine: realities | «The Weekly Five»: 01.04 – 07.04
Zelensky on plans of Russians to mobilize 300 thousands: Not certain that this is the final number
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that after mobilizing an additional 300 thousand individuals, Russians will need about a month to prepare them, and did not rule out that Russia may mobilize even more people later on.
«300 thousand - it's not certain that this is the final number of military personnel they will mobilize. Secondly, according to our intelligence information, by June 1 they are supposed to be ready to mobilize 300 thousand. And then the preparation in Russia is very short, we see this in the level of preparedness of Russian fighters on the front lines. Therefore, they will need about a month to have that volume of people.Since discipline is not very strong with them, perhaps they won't manage to mobilize 300 thousand by the 1st of the month, but we must rely on the data we have and be prepared».
Kuleba: Germany will immediately seek Patriot systems for Ukraine
At the April 4 meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council at the Alliance headquarters in Brussels, Germany initiated the search for available Patriot air defense systems for Kyiv.
This was announced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, during a meeting with journalists.
Kuleba noted that Germany, as the head of the coalition on air defense functioning within «Ramstein», «immediately initiates an analysis of all available systems, not only among allies but also globally, of Patriot batteries and other air defense systems».
«And what can be done, what combinations can be built so that these batteries can be delivered to Ukraine», added the minister.
The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed that during the Ukraine-NATO Council meeting, the focus was solely on one topic - the supply of Patriot systems, although allies had planned to discuss long-term commitments.
NATO Secretary General: Ukraine must decide for itself what compromises it is willing to make in the war
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated that Ukraine must decide for itself what compromises it is willing to make in the war with Russia.
Stoltenberg emphasized that military support is crucial for Ukraine to push back Russian forces and compel Russian President Vladimir Putin to abandon his goals of occupation. He also acknowledged that Kyiv may also need to make concessions.
«In the end, it is Ukraine itself that must decide what compromises it is willing to make. We must enable Ukraine to be in a position where it can indeed achieve an acceptable outcome at the negotiating table».
Reuters: Congressional Disputes Could Further Delay US Aid to Ukraine
Disputes between Republicans in the US House of Representatives and threats to oust Speaker Mike Johnson could once again prolong the long-awaited decision on American funding for Ukraine.
It is expected that upon the House's return from recess on April 9, Johnson will unveil details of a Ukraine aid package that he deems acceptable to Republicans, and it will finally be approved in both chambers.
However, the most hawkish wing of the Republicans insists on their demands regarding measures at the Mexico border and spending cuts, and they want Johnson not to rush until he has a bill that enough of them are willing to support.
Trump loyalist Marjorie Taylor Greene threatens to initiate Johnson's removal, alleging that he is ignoring the party's interests.
Bloomberg: China Provides Satellite Imagery for Strikes on Ukraine
China has intensified its support for Russia amid the war against Ukraine, notably providing satellite imagery to the Kremlin for strikes on Ukrainian targets.
Bloomberg reports, citing sources.
«Amid signs of further military integration between the two countries, China has provided Russia with satellite imagery for military purposes, as well as microelectronics and tank machinery, according to people familiar with the matter».
One source disclosed that China's support also includes optics, rocket fuel, and enhanced space cooperation.
Bloomberg notes that Beijing seeks to portray itself as neutral amid Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
However, the publication points out that in 2023, trade between the two countries reached a record $240 billion. Additionally, Russia increased its exports to China of commodities such as coal and oil.
The project «Ukraine: realities» is implemented by the News agency «Konkurent» together with the Civic Movement «SVIDOMI» in English for readers from other countries to tell to tell about current news and events in Ukraine.
Проєкт «Ukraine: realities» реалізовується Інформаційним агентством «Конкурент» спільно з Громадянським Рухом «СВІДОМІ» на англійській мові для читачів з інших країн аби розповісти про актуальні новини та події в Україні.
