EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius has raised alarms about Europe’s military readiness and called for expedited rearmament amidst Russian threats. In Ukraine, President Selenskyj reported extensive missile and drone strikes from Russia targeting energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, authorities in Germany arrested a suspect linked to a Russian hacker group. The US is set to provide additional military assistance to Ukraine, including drone defense systems, amid ongoing conflict and negotiations.
The EU Defense Commissioner, Andrius Kubilius, has expressed concerns about Europe’s defense readiness, emphasizing the urgent need for accelerated rearmament. Meanwhile, the US continues to supply additional military assistance to Ukraine. Stay updated with all the latest developments in our live blog.
Arrests Made in Connection with Russian Hacker Group
Authorities have apprehended an individual in Germany suspected of aiding a Russian hacker organization. The 24-year-old from Schleswig-Holstein faces allegations of supporting an overseas criminal group and engaging in computer sabotage, as reported by the Hesse State Criminal Police Office in Wiesbaden.
He is believed to have contributed to the ideologically driven hacker collective ‘KillNET’, known for its allegiance to Russia amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. This hacktivist group has been linked to various cyberattacks related to the war.
Investigators claim that ‘KillNET’ has targeted NATO nations, executing cyber sabotage, stealing data, and disrupting internet services. Over the past two years, the group has orchestrated numerous overload attacks on servers, with the 24-year-old allegedly providing essential infrastructure for these operations.
Selenskyj Reports Missile and Drone Attacks by Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj has revealed that Russia has deployed 93 missiles and 200 drones in its recent offensives against Ukraine’s energy sector. Remarkably, Ukrainian forces intercepted 81 of these missiles, including eleven shot down by F-16 fighter jets. Selenskyj has called for more stringent sanctions on Russia to curtail its missile manufacturing capabilities.
He emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s strength in achieving peace, asserting that mere words will not deter Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Once again, Russia has launched a significant assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Ukraine Faces Large-Scale Energy Facility Attacks
Recent reports from Ukraine indicate that Russia has initiated a large-scale offensive targeting the country’s energy facilities. Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko confirmed this development, stating, “The enemy continues its terror.” Workers are making extensive efforts to mitigate the adverse effects on the energy grid. More information regarding potential damages will be shared as soon as safety permits.
Drone and Missile Strikes Across Ukraine
Local reports confirm that the Russian military has executed attacks involving numerous cruise missiles and combat drones across Ukraine. Air raid alerts were issued nationwide. Additionally, ballistic ‘Kinschal’ missiles were launched at the western regions of Ukraine.
Explosions have been reported in cities such as Sumy, Kharkiv, and Vinnytsia in the west, although initial assessments of damages remain unclear. Besides drones, the Russian military is also said to have deployed guided glide bombs from aircraft.
Russian Forces Advance Near Pokrovsk
A notable military blogger has reported that Russian troops have moved within 1.5 kilometers of the strategically significant city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine. Pro-Russian blogger Yuri Podolyaka, who hails from Ukraine, claimed that members of Russian sabotage and reconnaissance units are already present in the city.
These assertions have yet to be independently verified. The Ukrainian military has recently indicated that Russian forces have either destroyed or taken control of several Ukrainian positions in the vicinity of the city.
EU Defense Commissioner Urges Preparedness Against Russian Threats
Andrius Kubilius, the new EU Defense Commissioner, has called for expedited rearmament efforts. He expressed candid concerns, stating, “To be honest, we are not sufficiently prepared for an attack,” during an interview with the editorial network Germany (RND). Kubilius highlighted that it could take years for Europe to achieve the military capabilities outlined in NATO plans. He referenced intelligence reports suggesting that Russia may be poised for an attack on EU nations by 2030.
He cautioned, “Experts indicate that Russia is currently producing more tanks than are deployed on the front lines. Countless tanks are being stockpiled, raising the question: Why is Russia doing this? What are Putin’s intentions? While we can only speculate, it is crucial to prepare for the worst-case scenario that our intelligence services have warned about.”
Kyiv Not Ready for New Negotiations with Russia, Says Selenskyj’s Chief of Staff
In an interview, Andriy Yermak, the chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj, stated that Kyiv is not yet prepared to reengage in negotiations with Russia. “We lack the weapons we need, and we do not have the status we desire. We aim for NATO membership and require clear guarantees to ensure that Putin will not return in two to three years,” Yermak conveyed to the public broadcaster Suspilne.
However, Russia has dismissed Ukraine’s aspirations for NATO membership, with Putin asserting that Kyiv must acknowledge the annexation of four Ukrainian regions by the Kremlin.
US Announces Additional Military Aid for Ukraine
The outgoing US administration under President Joe Biden is set to provide Ukraine with further military assistance to bolster its defense against the ongoing Russian aggression. The aid package, valued at $500 million, includes drone defense systems, ammunition for the HIMARS rocket launcher system, and armored vehicles, as announced by the US State Department.
This announcement follows a recent aid package worth approximately $988 million.
Catch Up on Thursday’s Live Blog
NATO estimates that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has already resulted in over a million casualties. Reports indicate further Russian drone strikes affecting numerous regions across the country. For more details, revisit the developments from Thursday in our live blog.
Stay informed about the latest updates in the ongoing war in Ukraine through our live blog.