We have compiled the latest important news about Ukraine, covering key developments regarding the war and international support. The roundup includes important news about Ukraine, the war in Ukraine, and assistance to Ukraine from Sweden, Croatia, and Norway. This digest contains the key events that took place over the past week in Ukraine and around the world.
Sweden provides Ukraine with a humanitarian aid package worth more than $10 million
The Swedish government has decided to provide Ukraine with a new humanitarian aid package worth SEK 110 million (over $10.3 million). The support is mainly aimed at meeting the increased needs of the Ukrainian population ahead of the winter.
These funds will be used, in particular, for demining, water, hygiene products, food, medicine and heating for the population, as well as for support of internally displaced persons.
Croatia plans to send 30 M-84 tanks + 30 M-80 infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine
The Croatian authorities are planning to transfer 30 M-84 tanks and 30 M-80 infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine, in exchange for which they will purchase 50 new Leopard 2A8 tanks from Germany.
On Monday, October 28, Croatian and German Defense Ministers Ivan Anušić and Boris Pistorius signed a protocol of intent in Berlin, which will be the first step in the purchase of equipment. Germany has invited Croatia to join a joint procurement program for the Leopard 2A8 main battle tank, the most modern version produced by the leading European arms manufacturer Rheinmetall.
Sweden allocates €63 million for military assistance to Ukraine
Sweden is allocating €63 million in military aid to Ukraine from its previous support packages. Of this money, €20 million will be used to purchase Ukrainian-made defense equipment.
Another €43 million will be spent on multilateral initiatives already launched to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine. These include the Fighter Coalition, Maritime Security Coalition, Mine Action Coalition, and IT Coalition.
South Korea considers supplying Ukraine with 155-mm shells as a countermeasure to North Korean troops in Russia
The South Korean government is considering supplying Ukraine with 155-mm artillery shells in response to the deployment of North Korean troops in Russia. President Yoon Suk Yeol discussed the situation with North Korean soldiers in Russia with the Prime Minister of Canada.
One of the government sources added that the final decision on such supplies should be made by the National Security Council. They will also discuss in detail whether the 155 mm artillery shells will be provided bypassing the United States or directly to Ukraine.
US leaders urge Biden to allow Poland to shoot down missiles over Ukraine
The bipartisan leaders of the US Helsinki Commission have appealed to US President Joe Biden. They ask him to allow Poland, as a NATO ally, to shoot down enemy missiles over Ukraine.
According to The Hill, Republican Joe Wilson and Democrat Steve Cohen sent a letter to Biden. It asks for Poland to be authorized to “intercept and shoot down missiles over Ukraine, especially those that threaten to approach Polish airspace”.
Their request is based on the fact that Poland has the initiative to use its air defense systems and potentially extend their coverage not only to Polish skies but also to Ukrainian ones.
Ukraine already produces almost 20 Bohdan air defense systems per month, – Zelenskyy
In an address following his visit to the Nordic countries, the President of Ukraine noted that Ukraine already produces almost 20 Bogdan self-propelled artillery systems per month.
We are producing artillery – almost 20 self-propelled artillery systems ‘Bogdan’ per month, – he said.
The visit also resulted in an agreement on new support packages for Ukraine’s defense sector. They also discussed investments in arms production in Ukraine and the development of joint defense projects.
Norway to provide Ukraine with NASAMS air defense systems
Norway is preparing a new €500 million aid package for Ukraine, which will include F-16 fighter jets and NASAMS air defense systems. Director of the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Defense Gennadiy Kovalenko said at the Kyiv Security Forum.
According to him, during a visit to Odesa on October 29-30, Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram announced another aid package that includes the provision of F-16 fighters and NASAMS systems to Ukraine. Norway also announced its readiness to invest in Ukraine’s defense industry.
Zelenskyy says when Ukraine will start formulating proposals for the second Peace Summit
Ukraine and dozens of partner countries are finalizing thematic conferences on individual points of the “peace formula”. Based on the developments, work will begin on the formation of proposals for the second Peace Summit. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
According to him, from August to November, all the points of the “peace formula” were discussed at such conferences, all with “good representation of the world”.
There were meetings on nuclear safety, energy safety, food safety, environmental safety – after the Kakhovka dam was blown up and all the Russian strikes. In other words, all aspects of Russian aggression will be included in a separate document, which should become a substantive basis for the second Peace Summit. A step-by-step path to peace, – Zelenskyy said.
Sweden has delivered a batch of PBV302 armored personnel carriers to Ukraine, – Ministry of Defense
Swedish tracked armored personnel carriers PBV 302 (Pansarbandvagn 302), which are in service with the Land Forces, have already arrived in Ukraine. This was reported by the press service of the Land Forces.
The soldiers are satisfied with the combat vehicle and its driving characteristics, especially the defenders note the ease of operation, soft ride and good ergonomics.
Kateryna Yashchuk
