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Ukraine experiencing drone shortage — BBC
Ukraine experiencing drone shortage — BBC

Russia Today

time3 days ago

  • Politics
  • Russia Today

Ukraine experiencing drone shortage — BBC

Ukrainian forces are facing a critical shortage of drones, the BBC has reported, citing officers from various units. They told the broadcaster that a third of the drones needed by the army are being purchased using unit-held funds or assembled from wreckage. The news comes a week after Kiev launched a coordinated drone strike on multiple Russian air bases, targeting long-range, nuclear-capable bombers stationed in the country's north and far east. Moscow has reported that most of the drones were intercepted, and that the aircraft targeted were damaged, but not destroyed as Ukrainian officials claimed. According to Kiev, more than 40 Russian bombers were hit in the attacks. Earlier this week, Ukraine's Vladimir Zelensky told ABC News that only Ukrainian-made weapons were used in the attacks, which had reportedly been planned for more than a year. A commander of the drone systems battalion of the 58th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Sergey Varakin, told BBC that a year ago his unit could afford to launch up to 100 first-person-view (FPV) aerial drones a day, adding that the current situation is 'nothing like that anymore.' 'Now, our brigade can receive only 200–300 FPV drones a month through official supply requests,' Varakin emphasized. According to the commander of the 429th Separate UAV Regiment, Yury Fedorenko, as cited by the news outlet, only a third of drones meeting the army's needs are typically delivered via state-backed supply channels. He specified that another third are purchased with unit-held funds, while the remaining third come from voluntary donations by Ukrainians. Fedorenko emphasized that state-supported drone supplies are often delivered with a two-month delay due to bureaucratic foot-dragging. Drone operators from several brigades deployed near Pokrovsk, the largest city remaining under Ukrainian control in the southwest of the DPR, also reported a shortage, adding that they are trying to obtain drones by all possible means, sometimes assembling them from old parts. The Russian military has repeatedly targeted drone manufacturing facilities and launch sites in Ukraine. The latest strikes came shortly after an attack on military airfields across the country. FPV drones have played a pivotal role on the battlefield since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022. The Times reported in May that Russia has taken the lead in the drone race, surpassing Ukraine in the production and use of medium-range FPV drones and their fiber-optic variants.

Shevchenko hopes Ukrainian soccer history can be preserved through Toronto exhibition
Shevchenko hopes Ukrainian soccer history can be preserved through Toronto exhibition

Globe and Mail

time4 days ago

  • Sport
  • Globe and Mail

Shevchenko hopes Ukrainian soccer history can be preserved through Toronto exhibition

Fans of all ages flocked to a vibrant historical exhibition of Ukrainian soccer history in Toronto on Thursday and Friday, highlighted by a special appearance by 2004 Ballon d'Or winner Andriy Shevchenko. Designed to coincide with the Ukrainian national team's appearance at the Canadian Shield – a four-team men's international tournament also featuring Canada, Ivory Coast and New Zealand – the exhibition is running until June 10. Ukraine and Canada kick off a tournament doubleheader Saturday afternoon at BMO Field, with New Zealand and Ivory Coast playing later the same day. In collaboration with the Ukrainian National Federation of Canada and the Consulate General of Ukraine in Toronto, the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF) displayed all of its national team jerseys dating back to 1991, FIFA World Cup balls and club flags and scarves since the early eighties. And there was plenty of silverware, too, with European trophies won by some of those teams also on display. 'Football is part of being Ukrainian,' said Artem Dzherikh, who was attending the event with his English teacher. 'It's in our everyday life.' Also enjoying the artifact-filled hall was a select group of players, who held a Q&A session after taking a look at some of the history that they now help to write. 'I have never had the opportunity to meet the team,' Dzherikh said. 'Even when I was back home [in Ukraine], we never had an opportunity like this.' Some kids also had the chance to ask the players questions, before racing in line for autographs and pictures. The questions ranged from 'How can I be famous like you?' to 'Who is your favourite player?' and the classic, '[Lionel] Messi or [Cristiano] Ronaldo?' Mark Milchevych, who is 11 years old, was at the event that 'he couldn't miss' with his mother after a long day at school. During his wait in the lobby before entering the exhibition, Milchevych and his friends were kickabout with the ball he brought along. 'I want the players to sign my ball and wish my generation good luck so I can succeed like them,' Milchevych said. 'It's very exciting that my national team is here.' Though admission into the event was free, the organizers emphasized the importance of donations to charities that are helping children affected by the war in Ukraine. Many wearing the yellow and blue colours of the national team handed over a donation before walking inside and headed toward a specific section in the room. An infographic wall with pictures and text titled 'Football and War' drew immediate attention from the entering crowd. Situated alongside it was the military uniform of FC Volyn Lutsk player Roman Maksymiuk, who went missing on the battlefield defending Ukraine. On the same table were valid tickets for a scheduled Ukrainian Premier League match set to take place in February, 2022. The fixture was cancelled due to the start of the invasion, and has since been coined by fans as 'the match that never happened.' 'Even during the war, we still believe we can improve football, and provide everything for our young generation,' said Shevchenko, who is also the UAF president. 'We can still grow and deliver.' Shevchenko is widely considered one of the best strikers to ever grace a soccer pitch, winning trophies at every club he played for. As he walked into the hall to take questions, the crowd erupted, and the expression of disbelief across the faces of the waiting children was contagious. 'I could not believe it,' Milchevych said after getting his soccer ball signed by his 'inspiration.' The impact of the war has been harsh on the Ukraninan Premier League's financial health, soccer infrastructure, and players who have taken themselves to the front line, says Shevchenko. However, the fan affection has not been hindered as the regular season is operating without restricted attendance, in comparison to the start of the war. 'Football events bring joy at a time that is very difficult,' said Mykola Vasylkov, who is a volunteer with the UFA, helping to set up events with the team on the road. 'It is a sign of normal life, which [is what] we want to finally achieve.' Shevchenko and Dzherikh both feel grateful to Canada and the way its people have welcomed Ukrainians fleeing the war, helping to provide them with a sense of community. There is nothing they bond over more than soccer, and an exhibition of this scale is important to preserve their history, Shevchenko added. 'If you look at the history of each player [part of the team], 90 per cent of them have been affected by the war,' he said. 'It's always been an incredible connection [with the fans].'

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