Latvia's Premier Signals Ukraine Will Get New Patriot Batteries
'There is a commitment to help Ukraine with new Patriot systems,' the premier told reporters in Riga after she took part in a call with Ukrainian allies on Thursday. 'How that will happen and when that will happen, I think that is restricted information.'
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Ukraine officials held in military drone corruption probe
A Ukrainian MP and other officials have been arrested after the country's anti-corruption agencies uncovered what they call a large-scale bribery scheme in the purchase of drones and electronic warfare systems. In a statement on X, President Volodymyr Zelensky said a Ukrainian MP, heads of district and city administrations and several National Guard service members had been exposed for their involvement, which involved state contracts with suppliers being signed at prices inflated by up to 30%. Zelensky wrote that there can be "zero tolerance" for corruption in Ukraine, and thanked the agencies for their work. The independence of Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies was restored on Thursday, following nationwide protests. Zelensky's government faced an extensive backlash after introducing a bill that would strip the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, known as Nabu and Sap respectively, of their independence. The president claimed the agencies needed to be "cleared of Russian influence", and sought to give the general prosecutor the authority to decide who should be prosecuted in high-level corruption cases. Many saw the move as a step backwards for corruption in Ukraine, resulting in the largest anti-government demonstrations since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of the country in 2022. Zelensky acknowledged public anger and submitted a new bill restoring the agencies' former independence, which was voted through by parliament just nine days after the original bill had been passed. The head of the Ukrainian Defence Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR), Kyrylo Budanov, thanked Zelensky for "hearing the public's call" regarding the powers of anti-corruption agencies and "not making a mistake". The move was also praised by EU allies, who had voiced concerns over the implications of the original bill. Young Ukrainians get their way as Zelensky overturns law to defuse crisis Backlash grows after Zelensky strips anti-corruption bodies of independence The fight against corruption is significant in Ukraine's bid to join the EU. The creation of Nabu and Sap was a requirement set by the European Commission and International Monetary Fund in 2014, in order to move towards a relaxation of visa restrictions. As a result, Kyiv was granted EU candidate status in 2022, bringing the nation another step towards closer ties with the West. Since their establishment, Nabu and Sap have been involved in far-reaching investigations into the misappropriation of millions of dollars' worth of assets and bribes across various ministries and sectors. A joint investigation in 2023 resulted in the arrest of the head of Ukraine's Supreme Court, Vsevolod Kniaziev, in connection with a $3m (£2.4m; €2.9m) bribe.
Epoch Times
3 hours ago
- Epoch Times
Germany Announces First Patriot Defense Transfers to Ukraine Under New NATO Framework
Last month, President Donald Trump announced a new framework to ensure other Western nations cover the costs to transfer more military aid to Ukraine. A Patriot air defense system launcher, operated by the Ukrainian Air Forces, is seen on the ground amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in an undisclosed location in Ukraine, on Aug. 4, 2024. A Patriot air defense system launcher, operated by the Ukrainian Air Forces, is seen on the ground amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in an undisclosed location in Ukraine, on Aug. 4, 2024. Valentyn Ogirenko/File Photo/Reuters Ukraine is set to receive two Patriot air defense systems under a new NATO arms transfer framework, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced on Aug. 1. The announcement is occurring just weeks after President Donald Trump outlined a framework for Western allies to transfer some of their current weapons systems to Ukraine and then purchase replacements from the United States, ensuring the United States is compensated for future military support for Ukraine. Pistorius said in a statement that Germany would make the first arms transfer to Ukraine under this framework, shipping two Patriot systems to Ukraine and additional system components in the next two to three months. Story continues below advertisement 'In return, an agreement has been reached with the U.S. Department of Defense that Germany will be the first nation to receive newly produced, latest-generation Patriot systems at an accelerated pace. The financing will be provided by Germany,' Pistorius said. The MIM-104 Patriot air defense system is currently employed throughout the NATO alliance and is capable of intercepting a range of aerial threats, including aircraft, cruise missiles, and some ballistic missiles. Ukraine's base of international supporters have already provided the country with Patriot systems and a variety of other air defense capabilities throughout its more than three-year conflict with Russia. Ukrainian officials have called for more air defense support in recent months, as Russian forces have frequently relied on barrages of missiles and explosive-laden drones. Pistorius said his country is 'by far Ukraine's strongest supporter in the field of air defense.' Story continues below advertisement The United States has been among those nations to provide Patriot systems to Ukraine, but until recently has had no guarantee of reimbursement for the support. Trump has routinely called for the United States to receive some form of compensation for the support it has provided Ukraine since Russian forces marched on the country in February 2022. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte celebrated the latest announcement. 'This is great news and I welcome Germany's leadership!' Rutte wrote in an X post on Aug. 1. 'This will help ensure Ukraine is able to defend its skies, protect its people, and deter Russian aggression.' The announcement for the new Patriot transfer came the same week Trump cut down a deadline for Russia to reach a cease-fire deal with Ukraine, from Sept. 2 to Aug. 8. Trump has threatened to impose new financial pressure on Russia's economy should it miss that deadline, including new sanctions and tariffs potentially targeting countries with which Russia trades.
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Social media ads for Channel crossings to be banned under new offence
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