Ukrainian media report evening explosions audible in Crimea.
Last night, explosions rocked Sevastopol in occupied Crimea, as reported by the Kyiv Independent and Crimean Wind Telegram channel. Residents of Balaklava, a town within the city, reported an initial explosion at around 1:39 local time. This blast was allegedly caused by a drone attack near a local power plant. Shortly after, a second explosion was heard near the port of Sevastopol. The Kyiv Independent is currently verifying these claims. Ukraine's Armed Forces have been targeting Russian war logistics and supply infrastructure to hinder ongoing operations on the front lines.
06:54 Ukrainian Air Force Expresses Admiration for Mirage Jets, Preferential Treatment for F-16s
The Ukrainian Air Force recently praised the Mirage combat jets France plans to gift to Ukraine, calling them modern and multi-faceted. According to a spokesperson, these jets can perform various tasks in combat. However, despite their praise, the Ukrainian Air Force prioritizes the F-16s. The training of Ukrainian F-16 pilots is ongoing, with Kiev eagerly awaiting its completion. Storing Western planes in a secure area will be challenging, given the constant Russian airstrikes. The Mirage was developed in France in the 1970s and widely used by numerous countries until recently.
06:30 Sumy Region Evacuates Extra Settlements due to Russian Attacks
Eight more communities in the Ukrainian-Russian border region of Sumy are being evacuated as a result of daily attacks by Russia. The governor of the area shared this news during a televised statement. In the last 24 hours, approximately 50 explosions were recorded within Sumy. This week, three people were fatally wounded by Russian fire, with three more injured. The total number of civilians killed in the region since the beginning of the year now stands at 50, who were murdered by artillery, mortar fire, and kamikaze drones.
05:45 France Gears Up to Sell Ukraine a Second Air Defense System
Thales, a French arms manufacturer, is set to sell Ukraine a second air defense system following the planned delivery of the first system in 2023. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry will be acquiring the second system, but the price of the sale has not been disclosed by the company. With recent shortcomings in air defense capabilities across the country, Ukraine is in desperate need of efficient air defense systems to safeguard both their frontline troops and major cities.
04:48 Germany Severely Moves Closer to Providing Kiev with Fourth Patriot Defense System
Bloomberg News reports that Germany is contemplating donating a fourth Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine. These systems would be an additional contribution to the ongoing military aid provided by the Western European nation. Additionally, the German government relaxed rules regarding targeting Russian aircraft in Russian airspace, potentially leading to the detection of Russian aircraft.
03:50 President Zelenskyy Refutes Putin's Doubts Over His Legitimacy
In response to Russian President Vladimir Putin's assertions of Zelenskyy's "illegitimacy," the Ukrainian President countered by acknowledging that only Putin considers him a legitimate leader. Zelenskyy further stated, "The Ukrainian people are the only ones who can recognize President Zelenskyy's legitimacy. The Ukrainian people made this choice, and I am grateful for their support. We are fighting for our freedom."
02:05 Upcoming Berlin Conference Offers Ukraine Long-Term Solutions Beyond Military Help
The German government is planning to present a comprehensive approach to aide Ukraine beyond its military support through the upcoming Ukraine Reconstruction Conference. Potential topics under discussion include assistance for civil society, the economy, municipalities, and regions. The conference, scheduled for March 1-2, will involve the participation of German Chancellor Scholz, various ministers and ministers, and a high-ranking Ukrainian delegation.
00:45 Russian-Occupied Village in Kherson Claims 22 Killed by Ukrainian Artillery Attack
The Russian-appointed administrative body for the occupied Kherson region alleges that Ukrainian artillery struck a village store in Sadowe, killing 22 people and injuring 15 others. Vladimir Saldo, the Russian-appointed administrator, described the situation as "despicable murder of civilians." Vague photos shared by the administrator do not clearly show the extent of the damage. These claims remain unconfirmed by independent sources.
Macron, the French president, urges EU to begin discussions on Ukraine's entry by the month's end. Macron said at a communal event with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Paris, "France backs Ukraine in all areas, including at the European level, as we're attempting to initiate a real start of accession talks by the end of the month." Zelenskyy added, "There are decisions relating to Ukraine being integrated into the EU that are on the verge of being reached." Previously, the EU Commission asserted that they considered the precursors for the start of negotiations with Ukraine to be satisfied. The same goes for nearby Moldova. Nevertheless, Hungary, who assumes the EU Council Presidency in July, is impeding this.
22:54 Zelenskyy's status drops to an all-time low in polls
More than two years into the war, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's public backing has dwindled to a record low - even so, he maintains the support of more than half the population. A study from the Institute of Sociology found Zelenskyy's approval rating to have sunk below 60% for the first occasion. In May 2022 - not long after the offensive war by Russia commenced - the favorability rating was still at 90%. Zelenskyy's confidence has been wavering steadily throughout the conflict. His term was due to finish in May - though, under martial law, he remained in power. According to Ukrainian officials, there won't be any elections beforehand, due in part to 20% of the nation being under Russian control and countless Ukrainians having fled the country.
22:04 America declines to join Macron's endeavor
The United States is not planning on participating in French President Emmanuel Macron's endeavor to send military trainers to Ukraine. John Kirby, the Director of Communications for the National Security Council, stated while accompanying US President Joe Biden's journey to France that Biden encourages Macron's viewpoint. Biden has been adamant since the onset of the Ukrainian conflict that he won't dispatch American troops there. "That's always been the case, and that will also be the case in the future," Kirby affirmed. Nonetheless, Biden is leaving the choice to Macron regarding how much information he reveals about the situation and how transparent he becomes. Biden has been clear since the Ukrainian war's start on numerous occasions, such as, "we don't desire a Third World War and we don't desire a war with Russia."
Read also:
- The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has seen cyberwarfare tactics being used, with reports indicating that Russia is planning a potential cyberattack on Ukraine's critical infrastructure.
- In response to the escalating Cyberwar between Russia and Ukraine, NATO has committed to enhancing its cyber defense capabilities and providing cybersecurity assistance to Ukraine.
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, has urged NATO and its member states to provide Ukraine with more advanced cyber defense tools, citing the necessity to counter the Russian threat.
- During a meeting with representatives from NATO and Ukraine, the UN Secretary-General stressed the importance of upholding international law in the realm of cyberwarfare and protecting critical infrastructure from attacks.
