On the eve of the European Commission’s publication of the report on countries wishing to join the European club – which is expected to give the green light for the start of negotiations between Kiev and Brussels next year – the Ukrainian president strikes a note of optimism as he says the country has installed more air defense systems in preparation for a second winter of Russian attacks on energy facilities.
“I received information last day about the arrival of ammunition, hardware and equipment. Additional NASAMS systems of partners were put into combat service. Timely reinforcement of our air defense before winter,” Volodymyr Zelensky said in Telegram.
Ukrainian leaders have called on Western allies to provide additional weapons before winter to defend themselves against Russian airstrikes, especially to protect key energy infrastructure. Last month, Lithuania announced it would supply two NASAMS systems to Ukraine.
Zelensky also urged Ukraine’s allies to supply his forces with long-range missiles and fighter jets to break the deadlock on the front lines. As for missiles, taking into account that the UK, France and the US have responded affirmatively, albeit in limited numbers, with the Storm Shadow/SCALP and ATACMS, the recipient of the request could be German Chancellor Olaf Scholz , who continues to refuse to show sensitivity to give in to Taurus.
As for aircraft, the first five F-16s donated by the Netherlands to Ukraine landed at the Romanian Fetesti air base on Tuesday. The base will be the location of the new F-16 training center, where NATO and Ukrainian pilots will receive training in flying the fighter planes. The arrival of six Ukrainian pilots is expected in the coming days. Last month, an unspecified but “small” number of pilots began training in the US state of Arizona. The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway and Belgium have promised to transfer 61 F-16 aircraft to Ukraine.
On the ground, the Russians are preparing for a new attempt to take over the destroyed city of Avdiivka, located 10 kilometers from the Russian-controlled city of Donetsk. “The third wave will indeed happen. The enemy is regrouping after a second wave of failed attacks,” said Vitaly Barabash, commander of the Avdiivka Military Administration. Both Kiev and military analysts say Moscow has suffered serious losses of people and equipment in two failed attacks on the city in recent months.
Source: DN
