Russian military infiltration. - Conflict with Ukraine: the current status
During his trip to France for the 80th anniversary celebration of the Allied landing in Normandy, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky received new pledges for the delivery of military jets. French President Emmanuel Macron declared during a TV interview in Caen that Ukraine would soon receive Mirage fighter jets.
Macron did not initially specify how many Mirage 2000-5 aircraft the war-afflicted nation would obtain. He mentioned that they were working together with partners to form a coalition. The jets would aid Ukraine in protecting its ground and airspace, according to Macron during his interview with TF1 and France 2. Additionally, he announced a plan to train Ukrainian pilots starting in the summer. He also mentioned plans to train a brigade of 4,500 Ukrainian soldiers.
When questioned whether France would send military trainers to Ukraine, Macron avoided the question. Ukraine seeks training within its own borders, and this would not escalate the situation, according to Macron. "We're collaborating with all our partners and will decide as a coalition at this moment," Macron clarified, further stating that there were no plans for training in the conflict area.
The Mirage combat aircraft are outdated and will soon be replaced by the modern Rafale jets. The Mirage jets production began in the early 1980s, followed by multiple versions of the fighter. The Mirage 2000-5, which is now set to be handed over to Ukraine, was considered one of the top multi-purpose combat aircraft of the 1990s.
Russia is stepping up its armaments production
Vladimir Putin has endorsed his country's arms industry growth amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Putin signed a list of instructions for the defense sector's development, focusing on the production of weapons and ammunition. First deputy prime minister Denis Manturov revealed this statement at the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). During a panel discussion on defense issues, participants highlighted that Russia produces weapons and ammunition faster and at a quarter of the cost of the West.
The country is preparing for a prolonged war economy, with the number of companies - including private ones - dramatically increasing in the last two years. "There are now over 850 of them," said Manturov. "The military-industrial complex is now the driving force of the economy," said Fradkov, an economist and Promsvyazbank's chairman, also known as the son of Mykola Azarov, the previous prime minister and head of the foreign intelligence service SWR.
Ukrainian troops continue to face pressure
On the front lines, the Ukrainian military is still facing intense pressure. The most challenging regions are Kupyansk and the area around Pokrovsk, where Russian troops are making gradual progress. The bombardment of Ukrainian cities also persists. Overnight, air raid sirens rang out in several areas. The Black Sea metropolis of Odessa reported multiple explosions after drone attacks.
A Russian court sentences teens for sabotage
A court in the Russian autonomous republic of Tatarstan has sentenced two minors and a young adult to lengthy prison terms for what's been perceived as sabotage. The three are said to have attempted, in the interest of Ukraine, to weaken Russia's defense capabilities and economic stability, per local media, which referred to the courtroom.
A 20-year-old was sentenced to 17 years in prison as the oldest, while the two teenagers received five years each in juvenile detention. They stand accused of setting fire to a railway switchboard - essential for managing train traffic.
Highlights for today:
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is set to have an official meeting with his French counterpart, President Macron, at the Elysee Palace today. In the morning, Zelenskyy will initially meet with French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu before visiting the defense company KNDS in Versailles. It's been reported that the company intends to manufacture weapons in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Putin will deliver a speech at the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) on the global political situation and Russia's economic situation during sanctions. At this annual forum, Russia showcases its resilience to the pressure of sanctions with a relatively high growth rate and innovative technologies.
