Selenskyj thanks Germany for new aid package – Night at a glance
Published: Wednesday, Nov 22nd 2023, 08:40
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Following the visit of German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius to Kiev, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi expressed his gratitude for the new arms package from Germany. EU Council President Charles Michel pledged Ukraine's efforts to start EU accession negotiations as soon as possible. And the United Nations published new figures on the number of civilians killed and injured by Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine to date.
Selenskyj: "New strong support package from Germany"
With regard to the announced military aid worth 1.3 billion euros, which will include new Iris-T SLM air defense missile systems, Zelensky said in his evening video message on Tuesday: "This will protect our cities and thousands of lives from Russian terror." This is "a new strong support package from Germany".
Pistorius announced the new military aid during his visit to Kiev. In addition to the air defense systems, the package will also include anti-tank mines and artillery shells of the NATO 155 millimeter caliber.
The head of the Ukrainian presidential office, Andrij Jermak, wrote of four Iris-T systems. According to an overview list from the Ministry of Defense, Germany has already delivered three Iris-T SLM systems to Ukraine. Prior to Pistorius' most recent announcement, five more of these systems had already been announced there. Meanwhile, regarding the German Taurus cruise missiles that Ukraine has been demanding for some time, Pistorius only said: "There is no new information on Taurus."
EU Council President pledges commitment to negotiations with Ukraine
EU Council President Michel, who also traveled to Kiev, assured both Ukraine and the neighboring Republic of Moldova of his full support in their efforts to quickly start EU accession negotiations. He said that he intended to do everything in his power to convince the 27 heads of state and government that a positive decision was needed in December.
Ukraine and Moldova are waiting for a decision on the start of accession negotiations. The EU Commission recommended this step in principle two weeks ago, but the governments of the EU countries still have to give their approval. A decision is to be made at the last regular summit meeting of the year on December 14 and 15. The outcome is open. The main reason for this is that reform requirements have not yet been fully met.
UN: At least 10,000 civilians killed in Ukraine
Since Russia's invasion 21 months ago, the United Nations has registered at least 10,000 civilians killed in Ukraine - including more than 560 children. However, as many bodies have not yet been identified, the actual number of victims is likely to be "considerably higher", the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva announced on Tuesday. In addition, more than 18,500 injured civilians have so far been registered with the help of UN observers stationed on the ground.
USA fears missile deliveries from Iran to Russia
The US government fears that Iran could supply Russia with ballistic missiles for use in Ukraine in the future. In return for this support, Russia has offered Tehran unprecedented cooperation in the defense sector, said National Security Council Communications Director John Kirby. During a visit to Iran in September, Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu was shown ballistic missiles, Kirby continued. "We are therefore concerned that Iran is now considering supplying Russia with ballistic missiles for use in Ukraine."
What will be important on Wednesday
India has issued invitations to a virtual G20 summit on Wednesday, at which Russian President Vladimir Putin also intends to speak. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will also be taking part in the online event together with other heads of state and government from the Group of 20 leading economic powers (G20).
©Keystone/SDA
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