NU.nl regularly provides an overview of the situation in Ukraine. This time: Vladimir Putin points out that the people of Kherson have to leave because of the approaching battle. Reports from the region give hope for Ukraine and Kiev may soon see nearly a hundred tanks, along with hundreds of millions of euros in military aid.
First of all, Kherson: there the Russian president spoke for the first time in favor of relocating the residents. According to the Russian reading, residents are “evacuated” for security reasons. Kiev argues that Russia is trying to deport as many residents as possible (which is a war crime) before having to return the region for good.
Ukrainian troops are constantly advancing towards Kherson. On Thursday, news appeared for the first time that Russia is preparing a general withdrawal from the occupied territory. The Russians would like to regroup on the eastern side of the Djnepr River. Those speculations were fueled by statements from Russian-appointed officials in the area.
There was little news from the front line in Kherson on Friday. There was just some uncertainty about the introduction of a permanent curfew. Residents would therefore not be allowed to leave their homes all day. Initially, the curfew seemed imminent, until the Russian occupation forces contradicted it.
Ukraine can expect tanks and other military support
Most of the news came from other countries. For example, the Netherlands and the United States have unveiled major new military support packages. Both countries are donating a total of 90 tanks to Ukraine. The first tanks are expected to arrive next month.
These are “modern and revamped” T-72 tanks. Military vehicles are provided by the Czech Republic, which also provides a financial contribution. The Netherlands and the United States each pay 45 million euros.
A T-72 tank.
A T-72 tank.
Photo: defence
Ollongren keeps his promise
Last month, Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren promised Ukraine could expect new military support. Now he is keeping that promise. The entire package of military aid is worth € 120 million, but Ollongren does not specify where the other € 75 million is going. The Netherlands has already provided a total of over € 350 million in military support.
NATO member states have long been trying to collect extra weapons for Ukraine. In October, the organization reported that its arms stocks are dwindling due to continued arms deliveries. That’s why military equipment is also bought elsewhere.
The US aid package contains a total of € 400 million in military aid. In addition to tanks, the United States also supplies modern anti-aircraft missiles. According to experts, the weapons are better than the Stinger surface-to-air missiles currently supplied to Kiev in large stocks.
Millions of Ukrainians without power again
Ukraine is in dire need of anti-aircraft defense due to the ongoing Russian bombing. Up to 4.5 million residents were without electricity Thursday evening, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. It was dark in the capital Kiev and ten other regions, among other places.
Zelensky speaks of “energy terrorism”. “It shows the weakness of our enemy. They cannot beat us on the battlefield and therefore try to break our people in this way.”
Russia has stepped up missile and drone attacks on the neighboring country in recent weeks after Moscow accused the Ukrainian government of an explosion at the Crimea bridge. Ukraine’s energy supply has often been targeted.
