We have gathered the latest news about Ukraine, including important war news Ukraine and updates on international efforts to help Ukraine. This digest covers the discussion of the “Victory Plan” with partners in the U.S., new military equipment deliveries from the Netherlands and France, and the transfer of an early warning system from Israel. Additionally, the UK has imposed sanctions for the use of chemical weapons in Ukraine, while the EU has approved a €35 billion financial aid package to help Ukraine, which will significantly contribute to the country’s recovery.
Zelenskyy sent a delegation to the U.S. to discuss the “Victory Plan”
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sent a Ukrainian delegation to Washington to discuss the “Victory Plan” in the war with Russia.
According to the President of Ukraine, next week, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi, along with other military officials and representatives from the Ministry of Defense, will work with Ukrainian partners on the details of the “Victory Plan”. They plan to discuss military, strategic, and security issues.
Additionally, Chief of the General Staff of Ukraine Anatoliy Barhylevych and Vice Prime Minister for European Integration and Minister of Justice Olha Stefanishyna have been sent to the United States under the president’s directive.
Israel delivered an early air attack warning system to Ukraine
Ukraine has already received an early air attack warning system from Israel, with the Ukrainian side responsible for its implementation.
Israel’s Ambassador to Ukraine, Michael Brodsky, stated that the country fulfilled its obligations and delivered “everything it was supposed to deliver”. According to him, the process took “many months”.
Brodsky noted that questions regarding the operation of the early air attack warning system should be directed to Ukrainian structures responsible for its implementation.
First F-16 fighter jets from the Netherlands have arrived in Ukraine
Ukraine has received its first F-16 fighter jets from the Netherlands. Additionally, the country will provide drones of various types worth €400 million to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
For the first time, I can officially announce that the first Dutch F-16s have been delivered to Ukraine. This is urgently needed. In Kharkiv, I saw the damage from Russian airstrikes and frequently heard air raid sirens. The remaining 24 planes will arrive in the coming months, – Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans announced on social network X.
In another post, Brekelmans stated that the Netherlands continues to “play a leading role in supporting Ukraine”, and that’s why he is announcing a drone action plan.
We will provide advanced drones worth €400 million. For reconnaissance, defense, and attacks. Almost half of them will be developed in the Netherlands, – he said in his post.
Second Peace Summit will not take place in November
The Second Peace Summit will not be held in November 2024, as previously expected. It has not been canceled but postponed to a later date.
In November, the Second Peace Summit will not take place. However, everything for its preparation should be ready. For now, thematic conferences are being held on each point of the Peace Formula, culminating in the adoption of a communiqué. The main provisions of these communiqués will form the basis of the future peace plan at the Second Summit, – said Daria Zarivna, advisor to the Head of the President’s Office.
According to her, the last such conference will take place on October 30-31. Only after these meetings will the date of the Second Peace Summit be clarified.
France to deliver Mirage 2000 fighter jets to Ukraine in early 2025
France will deliver Mirage 2000 fighter jets to Ukraine in the first quarter of 2025 (January–March). The aircraft will be equipped with the latest air-to-ground combat systems and electronic warfare protection.
French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced this on social network X.
Mirage 2000 is on its way to Ukraine: delivery is still scheduled for the first quarter of 2025. In Cazaux, in Gironde, they will be equipped with new technology: air-to-ground combat and electronic warfare protection. The training of Ukrainian pilots and mechanics continues, – the minister’s post reads.
Lecornu did not specify the number of jets.
Ukraine and Croatia signed a long-term support and cooperation agreement
On October 9, during a visit to Croatia by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine, and Croatia signed an agreement on long-term support and cooperation.
The President of Ukraine met with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. During the meeting, they discussed defense assistance and cooperation, humanitarian demining, the rehabilitation of Ukrainian children and wounded soldiers, Ukraine’s reconstruction, and European integration.
Today, we also signed an agreement on long-term support and cooperation between our countries. We will continue developing cooperation between our defense industries. Croatia will continue to provide equipment and share expertise in humanitarian demining, – Zelenskyy stated.
Germany delivered Iris-T SLM and Iris-T SLS air defense systems to Ukraine
Over the past week, Ukraine received from Germany the medium-range Iris-T SLM surface-to-air missile system, as well as the short-range Iris-T SLS.
Last week alone, we delivered two air defense systems: Iris-T SLM and SLS. By the end of this year, we will deliver two more air defense systems, – said General Christian Freuding, Head of the Special Task Force for Ukraine Aid at the German Ministry of Defense.
These air defense systems are essential for protecting critical infrastructure and civilians from Russian attacks.
Freuding emphasized that Berlin is currently delivering military equipment and ammunition to Ukrainian troops at a high level and will continue to do so.
The German general added that Ukrainian forces are receiving light armored vehicles and main battle tanks from Germany, as well as a significant amount of artillery ammunition. According to him, this assistance is substantial.
The European Union approved a €35 billion loan for Ukraine
The EU Council has approved a financial loan package for Ukraine worth up to €35 billion, part of the bloc’s obligations in fulfilling the G7 decision regarding frozen Russian assets.
The assistance will be aimed at meeting Ukraine’s immediate financial needs, which have increased due to Russia’s aggression.
This European loan is part of the $50 billion (€45 billion) credit from the G7, to be repaid with future proceeds from the frozen sovereign assets of the Russian Federation.
The EU plans for the funds to be available to Ukraine starting in 2024, with the loan being repaid over a maximum of 45 years.
Zelenskyy revealed the first point of the “Victory Plan”
The first point of the “Victory Plan” is Ukraine’s invitation to NATO, which would ensure geopolitical confidence in Europe and weaken Russia’s aggression.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced this during his speech at the “Ukraine – Southeast Europe” summit in Croatia.
Ukraine is one of the independent states, and every independent state has the right to choose its future. We must do this with a clear understanding that Ukraine will never again be subjected to such pressure from Russia. Ukraine’s future membership in NATO will be one of the real steps toward such peace and confidence in that peace, – the President of Ukraine emphasized.
Zelenskyy also highlighted that the “Victory Plan” involves strengthening Ukraine, which could lead to an invitation to join the Alliance.
There should be no skepticism from our partners if they are not afraid of the Russian Federation. Because we want to take the first step—a concrete invitation to the Alliance. This is not NATO membership. Yes, it’s better to be a NATO member, without a doubt. But today, we are talking about strengthening our position now. Not after the war, not in 10 years, not in 30 years. Now, – Zelenskyy stated.
According to him, today, some countries remain skeptical about Ukraine’s NATO membership during the full-scale war, so the focus is currently on the “invitation”.
Zelenskyy presents Victory Plan to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
During a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the Victory Plan and discussed its key aspects.
According to him, the main goal of the plan is to strengthen Ukraine’s position and deepen cooperation with its closest international partners to create conditions for honest diplomacy.
The President also expressed gratitude to Italy for the preparation of the conference on the restoration of Ukraine to be held in the nearest future. He emphasized the importance of Italian business participation in the country’s reconstruction projects.
Zelenskyy particularly noted the discussion of new political perspectives and the global situation with Meloni, emphasizing the value of the exchange of views. Special thanks were expressed for providing Ukraine with air defense systems that protect peaceful cities. During the meeting, they also discussed the preparation of a new security assistance package.
