Ukraine is edging closer to becoming a member of NATO, according to the alliance’s secretary general. This comes amidst Russia conducting massive naval drills involving hundreds of vessels and tens of thousands of navy personnel. The drills were launched after Ukraine forced Russia to withdraw its Black Sea Fleet warships and vessels from the Sea of Azov.
President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the frontline in Kharkiv to pay tribute to Kyiv’s special forces engaged in fighting with Putin’s forces in the region. Meanwhile, Germany has criticized Vladimir Putin for warning of a potential missile crisis in Europe.
Additionally, Russia’s Wagner group suffered a significant loss in Mali, with approximately 50 fighters being killed in an ambush by jihadists and rebels. Italian authorities seized assets worth around 41 million euros from a Russian businessman under investigation in Ukraine for corruption, fraud, and money laundering.
Australia’s foreign minister condemned the recent defense deal between North Korea and Russia as destabilizing and risky for the world. In a diplomatic spat, Poland and Hungary criticized each other over their relationships with Russia amidst the conflict in Ukraine.
The United States announced a security assistance package for Ukraine valued at up to $200 million, including air defenses and anti-tank weapons. However, it was revealed that only six Ukrainian pilots are trained to fly the F-16 fighter jets set to be delivered to Kyiv next month.
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