Latest news with #Goncharenko
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ukraine is paying civilians up to $2,400 a month to shoot down Russian drones with whatever they can find
Ukraine's lawmakers have approved a new plan to pay civilians to shoot down drones. A volunteer could get up to $2,400, depending on their level of participation. The proposal says they can use their own vehicles and guns, including hunting weapons. Ukraine has a new plan to pay civilian volunteers up to $2,400 a month to track and shoot down Russian drone threats. The measure, which allows civilians to use their hunting guns and cars to destroy aerial targets, was approved on Wednesday by Ukrainian lawmakers, per Taras Melynchuk, a Cabinet representative in Kyiv's parliament. Melynchuk wrote on Telegram that the program aims to "strengthen the air defense" of Ukraine, and it comes as growing waves of Russian Shahed drones have hammered its cities. A full draft of the proposal, published by parliament member Oleksiy Goncharenko, shows that volunteers can receive up to 100,000 hryvnias, or about $2,426, a month — depending on their level of contribution. The full payout would be a hefty sum for many Ukrainians. By comparison, government statistics said the average monthly salary in Ukraine was 14,577 hryvnias, or about $353, per the last-recorded figures from January 2022, the month before the war began. Data from a local job site that assesses salaries listed in job postings and résumés, shows that the average monthly wage offered in Ukraine had risen to 24,241 hryvnias by June 10. Funds for the air defense volunteers would come from local governments' budgets, and payout amounts are determined by commanders in the Territorial Defense Forces units stationed in the area. These commanders are meant to work with volunteers through a group leader who reports on personnel and activities monthly, the proposal added. The document said that volunteers can use supplies from Ukraine's forces if needed, but also have the "right to use their own vehicles, other equipment, as well as personal hunting weapons, small arms, and other types of weapons and ammunition." Goncharenko said the approved vehicles include personal cars. That's relevant because much of Ukraine's anti-drone defense has relied on units that drive out at night to shoot down Russian uncrewed aerial vehicles with truck- or car-mounted small arms. Officials have said that the country has about 500 such mobile units. They're typically armed with a lot more firepower than a hunting rifle, though; official anti-drone squads often use machine guns such as the M2 Browning. On the other hand, drone units frequently use shotguns to shoot down first-person view drones on the battlefield. Goncharenko added that anyone not mobilized under Ukraine's forces can sign up to volunteer. This new project also aims to bring drone pilots from existing volunteer and paramilitary units under the defense ministry's wing, though they'll need to show a training certificate to be approved. Families of anyone who dies while fighting in a volunteer air defense unit are also eligible for one-time cash payouts and pension benefits that the relatives of veterans get, the proposal added. Ukraine's new volunteer plan emerges as Russia has intensified its night-time drone attacks, which now regularly involve hundreds of Iranian-made Shaheds fired in tandem with dozens of missiles at Ukrainian cities. The approved measure is set to last for as long as two years, or until martial law concludes in Ukraine. Read the original article on Business Insider
Business Insider
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Insider
Ukraine is paying civilians up to $2,400 a month to shoot down Russian drones with whatever they can find
Ukraine has a new plan to pay civilian volunteers up to $2,400 a month to track and shoot down Russian drone threats. The measure, which allows civilians to use their hunting guns and cars to destroy aerial targets, was approved on Wednesday by Ukrainian lawmakers, per Taras Melynchuk, a Cabinet representative in Kyiv's parliament. Melynchuk wrote on Telegram that the program aims to "strengthen the air defense" of Ukraine, and it comes as growing waves of Russian Shahed drones have hammered its cities. A full draft of the proposal, published by parliament member Oleksiy Goncharenko, shows that volunteers can receive up to 100,000 hryvnias, or about $2,426, a month — depending on their level of contribution. The full payout would be a hefty sum for many Ukrainians. By comparison, government statistics said the average monthly salary in Ukraine was 14,577 hryvnias, or about $353, per the last-recorded figures from January 2022, the month before the war began. Data from a local job site that assesses salaries listed in job postings and résumés, shows that the average monthly wage offered in Ukraine had risen to 24,241 hryvnias by June 10. Funds for the air defense volunteers would come from local governments' budgets, and payout amounts are determined by commanders in the Territorial Defense Forces units stationed in the area. These commanders are meant to work with volunteers through a group leader who reports on personnel and activities monthly, the proposal added. The document said that volunteers can use supplies from Ukraine's forces if needed, but also have the "right to use their own vehicles, other equipment, as well as personal hunting weapons, small arms, and other types of weapons and ammunition." Goncharenko said the approved vehicles include personal cars. That's relevant because much of Ukraine's anti-drone defense has relied on units that drive out at night to shoot down Russian uncrewed aerial vehicles with truck- or car-mounted small arms. Officials have said that the country has about 500 such mobile units. They're typically armed with a lot more firepower than a hunting rifle, though; official anti-drone squads often use machine guns such as the M2 Browning. On the other hand, drone units frequently use shotguns to shoot down first-person view drones on the battlefield. Goncharenko added that anyone not mobilized under Ukraine's forces can sign up to volunteer. This new project also aims to bring drone pilots from existing volunteer and paramilitary units under the defense ministry's wing, though they'll need to show a training certificate to be approved. Families of anyone who dies while fighting in a volunteer air defense unit are also eligible for one-time cash payouts and pension benefits that the relatives of veterans get, the proposal added. Ukraine's new volunteer plan emerges as Russia has intensified its night-time drone attacks, which now regularly involve hundreds of Iranian-made Shaheds fired in tandem with dozens of missiles at Ukrainian cities. The approved measure is set to last for as long as two years, or until martial law concludes in Ukraine.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Black Sea ceasefire ‘benefits Russia'
The Black Sea ceasefire proposal benefits Russia and leaves many questions unanswered, the MP for Ukraine's Black Sea port of Odesa has warned. Oleksiy Goncharenko said he had concerns about competing statements from Ukraine, Russia and the US about the proposed truce. 'It would be important for Odesa to have a military ceasefire as it would protect our ports,' Mr Goncharenko said. 'But I have heard nothing…all three sides are saying different things.'The Ukrainian politician said the proposed deal appears to benefit Russia, who have demanded sanctions be lifted before any ceasefire comes into effect.'Russia is making new demands that sanctions should be lifted but for what? For commercial ships to move? They moved today and yesterday. I have a lot of questions and no answers,' he added. The White House published two statements on Tuesday claiming that Ukraine and Russia had agreed to 'eliminate the use of force' in the Black Sea. But the agreement with Russia goes further, with Washington committing to help seek the lifting of international sanctions on Russian agriculture and fertiliser exports. Shortly after the White House announcement, Moscow warned the deal would only come into force after the lifting of sanctions restrictions that have helped isolate the Kremlin since the invasion. The Port of Odesa, Ukraine's largest seaport, has come under repeated attacks by Vladimir Putin's forces. Just four days ago, Russian forces launched a mass drone attack on Odesa, injuring three people and damaging buildings in the surrounding area. Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, on Tuesday accused the Kremlin of 'engaging in manipulation' about the terms of the Black Sea ceasefire deal, which was agreed in separate talks between the US, Russia and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia. 'Unfortunately, even now, even today, on the very day of negotiations, we see how the Russians have already begun to manipulate,' Mr Zelensky said in his nightly video address. 'They are already trying to distort agreements and, in fact, deceive both our intermediaries and the entire world.' In addition to sanctions on fertiliser exports, the Kremlin has demanded bans are lifted on it's Rosselkhozbank, which services agriculture firms, and other 'financial organisations involved in ensuring operations on international trade in food products'. The Kremlin said it also wants its access to the Swift international messaging system be restored. Analysts have suggested the terms would benefit Russia, leaving Ukraine in a weaker position. Nico Lange, a senior fellow at the Munich Security Conference, said: 'Russia had already been defeated in the western Black Sea and Ukraine had fought its way back to reclaiming the trade routes from Odesa. 'With today's agreement, Russia gives up almost nothing, but receives sanctions relief and new revenue for its war machine.' The White House's announcement of a partial truce came as a report by the US national director of intelligence claimed both Kyiv and Moscow would rather continue with war than accept a bad deal. The report found that Russia's battlefield momentum gave it room for 'strategic patience', while Ukraine conceding territory or neutrality 'without substantial security guarantees from the West could prompt domestic backlash and future insecurity'. But Mr Zelensky said that the proposed ceasefire was a 'step in the right direction' and called for it to be implemented 'immediately'. He warned Moscow he would seek tougher sanctions on Russia and more weapons from the US if the terms were broken. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Black Sea ceasefire ‘benefits Russia'
The Black Sea ceasefire proposal benefits Russia and leaves many questions unanswered, the MP for Ukraine's Black Sea port of Odesa has warned. Oleksiy Goncharenko said he had concerns about competing statements from Ukraine, Russia and the US about the proposed truce. 'It would be important for Odesa to have a military ceasefire as it would protect our ports,' Mr Goncharenko said. 'But I have heard nothing…all three sides are saying different things.' The Ukrainian politician said the proposed deal appears to benefit Russia, who have demanded sanctions be lifted before any ceasefire comes into effect. 'Russia is making new demands that sanctions should be lifted but for what? For commercial ships to move? They moved today and yesterday. I have a lot of questions and no answers,' he added. The White House published two statements on Tuesday claiming that Ukraine and Russia had agreed to 'eliminate the use of force' in the Black Sea. But the agreement with Russia goes further, with Washington committing to help seek the lifting of international sanctions on Russian agriculture and fertiliser exports. Shortly after the White House announcement, Moscow warned the deal would only come into force after the lifting of sanctions restrictions that have helped isolate the Kremlin since the invasion. The Port of Odesa, Ukraine's largest seaport, has come under repeated attacks by Vladimir Putin's forces. Just four days ago, Russian forces launched a mass drone attack on Odesa, injuring three people and damaging buildings in the surrounding area. Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, on Tuesday accused the Kremlin of 'engaging in manipulation' about the terms of the Black Sea ceasefire deal, which was agreed in separate talks between the US, Russia and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia. 'Unfortunately, even now, even today, on the very day of negotiations, we see how the Russians have already begun to manipulate,' Mr Zelensky said in his nightly video address. 'They are already trying to distort agreements and, in fact, deceive both our intermediaries and the entire world.' In addition to sanctions on fertiliser exports, the Kremlin has demanded bans are lifted on it's Rosselkhozbank, which services agriculture firms, and other 'financial organisations involved in ensuring operations on international trade in food products'. The Kremlin said it also wants its access to the Swift international messaging system be restored. Analysts have suggested the terms would benefit Russia, leaving Ukraine in a weaker position. Nico Lange, a senior fellow at the Munich Security Conference, said: 'Russia had already been defeated in the western Black Sea and Ukraine had fought its way back to reclaiming the trade routes from Odesa. 'With today's agreement, Russia gives up almost nothing, but receives sanctions relief and new revenue for its war machine.' The White House's announcement of a partial truce came as a report by the US national director of intelligence claimed both Kyiv and Moscow would rather continue with war than accept a bad deal. The report found that Russia's battlefield momentum gave it room for 'strategic patience', while Ukraine conceding territory or neutrality 'without substantial security guarantees from the West could prompt domestic backlash and future insecurity'. But Mr Zelensky said that the proposed ceasefire was a 'step in the right direction' and called for it to be implemented 'immediately'. He warned Moscow he would seek tougher sanctions on Russia and more weapons from the US if the terms were broken.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Russian attacks overnight kill one, injure three in Ukraine, officials say
(Reuters) - Russian shelling overnight killed one person and injured two more in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk and Russian forces attacked Ukraine with 79 drones, Ukraine's authorities said on Sunday. "Kramatorsk was subjected to hostile shelling - residential district," city Mayor Oleksandr Goncharenko wrote on the Telegram messaging app. "A boy born in 2006 was killed." Goncharenko added that two people, a man and a woman, were also injured. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Ukraine's air defence units destroyed 63 of the 79 Russian drones that attacked overnight in several Ukrainian regions, the country's air force said on Telegram. A Russian drone attack on the city of Zaporizhzhia in southwestern Ukraine injured one civilian, the governor of the broader Zaporizhzhia region, of which the city is the administrative centre, said on Telegram. The attack sparked a massive fire at a residential building, destroying its roof, causing it to partially collapse and spreading over the area of 300 square metres (3,230 square feet), the governor, Ivan Fedorov said. Two people were rescued from underneath the collapsed parts of the building, Ukraine's emergency service said on Telegram. The service also said that the blast wave damaged neighbouring houses, leaving tens of people homeless. There was no immediate comment from Russia. Both sides deny targeting civilians in their attacks on each other in the war that Russia launched with its full-scale invasion on Ukraine three years ago. But thousands of civilians have died in the conflict, the vast majority of them Ukrainian.
