Iran confirms that it has transferred missiles to Russia
Iran has confirmed that Tehran has indeed transferred missiles to Russia, following a report by The Wall Street Journal about the delivery of Iranian short-range ballistic missiles to Russia.
According to Iranian MP Ahmad Bakhshayesh Ardestani, Iran has to exchange resources to cover its needs. Therefore, Tehran gives Moscow missiles and drones, and Moscow gives soybeans and wheat in return.
The official also explicitly stated that the partnership with Russia helps Iran circumvent sanctions and receive foreign currency for arms sales. As a comparison, he cited how European countries and NATO provide weapons to Ukraine.
EU condemns Russian elections in occupied Crimea
The European Union has condemned Russia’s illegal elections in annexed Crimea and called them yet another act of violation of international law, the UN Charter and Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
The EU does not recognize these so-called “elections” or their results in Crimea. They are null and void and cannot have any legal effect. The Russian leadership and those responsible for organizing these illegal actions will be brought to justice, – the diplomatic mission said.
This refers to the UN General Assembly resolution of March 27, 2014, which reaffirms the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
The European Union reaffirms its unwavering position on Crimea: it is part of Ukraine, –the statement said.
IMF agrees to sixth tranche of $1.1 billion for Ukraine
Ukraine and the International Monetary Fund have agreed at the expert level on the fifth revision of the $15.6 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Ukraine.
Ukraine has fulfilled all the quantitative criteria and structural benchmarks as of the end of June, which are necessary to receive the sixth tranche of $1.1 billion from the IMF. These agreements demonstrate that Ukraine is continuing important reforms, and international partners support it on this path, Shmyhal said.
The IMF Executive Board must now approve the agreement. After that, Ukraine will receive $1.1 billion.
According to the prime minister, this was the first IMF mission to fully operate in Kyiv during the full-scale invasion. Funds from partners help the Ukrainian government finance all non-military budget expenditures. This allows domestic resources to be allocated to the country’s defense capabilities.
Panama joins the Peace Summit communiqué
The Republic of Panama has joined the Peace Summit communiqué. This was announced by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The head of state said that Ukraine hopes to deepen friendly dialogue and cooperation with the Caribbean states.
The geography of countries that support the principles of a just and lasting peace for Ukraine continues to expand. As of today, 94 states and organizations share our common vision based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law, – the President of Ukraine noted.
Netherlands allows Ukraine to use its weapons against military targets in Russia
The Netherlands has lifted restrictions on the use of its weapons for Ukraine, including F-16 fighters, against military targets in Russia.
This was stated by Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans, calling on other partners to take a similar step.
Ukraine has asked its allies to allow the use of Western weapons against military targets deep in Russian territory, which has not been supported by the United States and Germany so far.
However, the Netherlands allows Kyiv to use their weapons on Russian territory as part of the right to self-defense under international law.
Ukraine has the right to self-defense, and if attacks are carried out from border areas or Russian military bases, it can strike military targets, – said Brekelmans, adding that the Netherlands has not set any restrictions on the distance at which its weapons can be used.
In addition, the minister confirmed that these rules also apply to F-16 fighter jets, which Ukraine is already using.
We trust Ukraine to use its fighter jets in accordance with international law, – emphasized Brekelmans.
Sweden allocates new $443 million aid package to Ukraine
On September 9, the Swedish government announced a new package of military assistance to Ukraine worth SEK 4.6 billion (about EUR 400 million).
Sweden is entering a new phase of military support for Ukraine through a greater focus on production rather than donations, – the statement said.
This is the seventeenth package of Swedish military assistance to Ukraine. It “meets Ukraine’s highest priority military needs and creates flexibility for the future.” In addition, it includes donations of equipment, direct purchases, equipment packages and financial donations.
The support package also includes military equipment for ground combat worth approximately SEK 500 million. “Ukraine has a very high need for anti-aircraft equipment due to Russia’s attacks on civilian and military infrastructure, – the statement said.
Ukraine wants India to “moderate” negotiation between Kyiv and Moscow
Kyiv believes that India should play a more active role in ending Russia’s war against Ukraine. In particular, it concerns peace talks.
This was stated by Ukraine’s Ambassador to India Oleksandr Polishchuk, Bloomberg quoted him as saying.
Thus, Ukraine wants New Delhi to “moderate” negotiations with Russia and use its connections to persuade Moscow to join the peace talks. This, according to the diplomat, is important for India if it wants to get a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
According to Polishchuk, Ukraine has offered India to hold a peace summit by November 2024, but it is not yet clear whether New Delhi will agree.
Zelenskyy may meet with Xi Jinping as early as next month – Reuters
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Chinese President Xi Jinping may meet next month. This was facilitated by the improvement of diplomatic contacts between the countries.
Reuters writes about this with reference to former Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Oleksandr Chalyi.
He believes that Kyiv’s diplomacy with Beijing has improved, and therefore a meeting is now possible. Chalyi added that “now we all in Ukraine are waiting for some contacts, direct contacts between President Zelenskyy and President Xi”.
Cui Hongjian, director of the European Studies Department at the China Institute of International Studies, also hinted that a meeting between the two leaders is possible and said that they are “ready to do everything that promotes peace”.
He also said that China is open to joining the upcoming peace summit, as they do not want their efforts to be “wasted”.
