Lilia Podolyak
Commander-in-Chief of the Norwegian Armed Forces Eirik Kristoffersen emphasized the urgent need to strengthen the country's defense against potential Russian aggression over the next few years. He named Russia's accelerating military build-up and transition to a military economy as the main reasons for concern.
The United Nations has opened a bank account with an unnamed Russian bank that is not subject to sanctions, allowing it to conduct transactions in rubles. This happened at a time when Sovcombank applied to the US Treasury for a license to pay membership fees to the UN Environment Climate Initiative.
The mayor of Kharkiv said that Russian troops hit a residential area, damaging a house. There is no information on possible casualties.
Chinese defense experts are disappointed with the capabilities of Russia's Kinzhal hypersonic missiles after several of them were shot down by Ukraine's Patriot system. These conclusions are important for China, which is preparing for potential conflicts with the United States, particularly over Taiwan.
John Kirby, coordinator of the White House National Security Council, declared the next few months to be critical for Ukraine's defense against ongoing Russian aggression. He emphasized the need for swift support from Congress amid a reduction in arms supplies.
A series of explosions occurred in Kharkiv, and the city mayor confirmed that it was a shelling by Russian forces. The consequences of the shelling are yet to be determined.
According to Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov, nearly 5,000 trucks have left for Poland since the blockade of the crossing points was lifted. He emphasized the importance of the Freight Liberalization Agreement for Ukraine's survival.
Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatović called for immediate international cooperation to ensure the return of abducted Ukrainian children from Russia. The Commissioner emphasized the role of human rights organizations in Ukraine and considers this issue a priority for the international community.
The State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Energy Exchange are working together to create a transparent and competitive biofuel market in Ukraine that meets the country's energy security and independence goals.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has awarded 103 defenders of the country with state decorations for their courage in protecting state sovereignty and territorial integrity and selfless performance of military duty.
Australia has imposed personal sanctions on Russian hacker Alexander Yermakov for hacking Medibank, the country's largest health insurance company. The hack stole data of about 10 million customers, making it one of the largest data thefts in the country.
At least seven people have been killed in a shooting in a Chicago suburb, with the victims found in two houses across the street. Authorities are searching for an armed suspect, possibly related to the victims' family.
Ukrainian defense forces have reportedly destroyed or damaged 35 Russian ships, including 22 destroyed and 13 damaged, according to Navy spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk, who singled out cruise missile carriers and large Russian landing craft as priority targets.
Following the arrest of investment banker Igor Mazepa, business and government representatives met to discuss the pressure on business. The meeting focused on changing legislation, with an emphasis on respecting entrepreneurs as job creators and taxpayers.
According to Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, under martial law in Ukraine, multiple citizenship will not be used to avoid mobilization or restrictions on movement. He clarified that people with multiple citizenship will have not only rights but also constitutional obligations.
A masked man, imitating a horror movie character, attacked passersby with a machete in northern Toronto, injuring at least one of them. Police are searching for the suspect, and a local high school has reopened after being temporarily closed.
Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov reportedly made a secret visit to Mariupol, possibly to appoint his son as head of the city administration, according to an advisor to the mayor of Mariupol. However, he and his son were hastily evacuated after security spotted a drone.
U. S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin will participate in an online meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group from his residence. The meeting, held in Ramstein, aims to coordinate allied efforts despite the current lack of funds for additional support for Ukraine.
The United States and the United Kingdom have launched air strikes on the Yemeni capital, controlled by Houthi rebels, targeting missile platforms, drones and weapons depots. These strikes are a response to attacks by Houthis allied to Iran on shipping in the Red Sea.
U. S. President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized the urgent need for further funding and support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. They also discussed the situation in the Middle East, particularly in the Red Sea region.
Lithuania and Poland plan to hold joint military exercises in the Suwalki Corridor, a strategic region between the two countries, in April 2024. Polish President Andrzej Duda emphasized the sensitivity of the region in terms of European security.
Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Honcharenko has been appointed chairman of the Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). Goncharenko, the first Ukrainian to hold this position, intends to use it to promote Ukraine's interests.
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky proposed to restrict the movement of Russian diplomats within the EU as part of a new package of sanctions against Russia. The proposed restriction would limit the movement of diplomats to the Schengen countries where they are accredited.
Ukrainian sappers have captured 11 Russian servicemen while performing combat missions in eastern Ukraine, the press service of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports. The 808th separate regiment was engaged in the capture of prisoners.
Israel is proposing a two-month ceasefire in Gaza, the longest offer it has made to Hamas, in exchange for the release of all hostages, Axios reports. The proposal comes amid efforts by Egyptian, Qatari and American mediators to negotiate a deal.
The head of the Odesa Regional State Administration, Oleh Kiper, congratulated and awarded the winners of the drawing contest "No One Believes in Our Victory Like Me," which was attended by more than three thousand children.
The Do Your Own with Kurator contest is organized by the Kurator brand and the MHP-Gromada charitable foundation for the HoReCa industry.
The Commander of the Aerial Reconnaissance of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has announced a fundraising drive of UAH 50 million to purchase 50 electronic intelligence systems, evacuation equipment and attack drones for various units of the Armed Forces.
Under competent mobilization, selection will be made exclusively by specialty, and the mobilized will not be allowed to change their occupation, Magyar emphasized.
The President awarded a seamstress from Odesa region with the Order of Princess Olga. The honorary award was presented by the head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration, Oleh Kiper.