Ukraine Archives - Page 3 of 12 - Kyiv Center for Defense Policy

Targets by Russia, Ukrainians in addition to foreign journalists

February 21 2025 | 13:06

Russia has been targeting both Ukrainian and foreign journalists covering its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Nearly 150 journalists have been victims of forced disappearances, shootings, executions, and hostage-taking since 24 February 2022. 13 journalists have been killed by Russian forces, while 18 remain arbitrarily detained by Russia, and 1 is still missing - Reporters Without Borders (RSF). North Korea’s participation in the war against Ukraine will have long-term consequences for the security of the Asia-Pacific region, as North Korea modernises its technologies and gains combat experience. Ukrainian Defence Intelligence (DIU) chief, Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, highlighted the recent improvements in the accuracy of the North Korean KN-23 missile as just 1 example. Russia began its mass deportation of Ukrainian children 6 days prior to launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Over 2,700 children had been transported to Russia from orphanages and care homes by the morning of 19 February 2024. - As the Trump administration begins preliminary talks with Russian officials about ending the war in Ukraine, intelligence from the US and close allies shows that Russian President Vladimir Putin still wants to control all of Ukraine, according to 4 Western intelligence officials and 2 US congressional officials. The 6 officials said they believe Putin could agree to a ceasefire and broader peace deal because it would give his military time to reset and rebuild. - A significant portion of Ukraine’s non-military aid came through USAID, which ran nearly 40 programs. In 2024, Kyiv received $6 billion under these initiatives. A partial list of what Ukraine has purchased with USAID grants or received directly...

Peace Talks after three years of war

February 21 2025 | 13:05

Peace talks this week between Russia and the US aimed at ending 3 years of war in Ukraine have not impressed front-line Ukrainian troops, who see no quick end to the fighting if Kyiv is left out of negotiations. Front-line troops say they are determined to fight on, citing years of bitter sacrifices and the loss of tens of thousands of comrades-in-arms. 20:02 - The US has signalled that it could leave an international effort to prosecute Russia for invading Ukraine. The US has not yet officially withdrawn from the scheme and is expected to attend its next meeting next month in Strasbourg, France. European capitals are now holding talks over a possible collapse of the special tribunal if the US does walk away as feared - The...

Reshaping US military strength and readiness for decades.

February 20 2025 | 14:45

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered senior military officials to develop a budget plan that would slash defence spending by 8%, a dramatic cut which could reshape military end-strength and readiness for decades. “February 20 is the day when we remember and commemorate those who made their choice — to be free, to build a strong, European Ukraine, and to resist subjugation. They sacrificed the most precious thing — their lives — so that we could live in a free state. It was during these days in 2014 that Russia chose war, taking its first steps towards the occupation of Crimea. While people in Kyiv were being killed defending their freedom, Putin decided to launch another strike — a very vile one. Since then, the world has been living in a new reality, where Russia is trying to deceive everyone. It is crucial not to fall for it, to stand together. It is crucial to support those who defend freedom. Eternal honour to the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred. Eternal gratitude to all brave Ukrainians who have fought for Ukraine and its independence” - Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. - Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia NPP has been relying on a single off-site power line for over a week after losing its only remaining backup line, underscoring the fragile nuclear safety situation amid the ongoing military conflict. Nuclear power plants require a stable external power supply for reactor cooling and essential safety functions. The Zaporizhzhia NPP has faced repeated disruptions, temporarily losing all off-site power 8 times in the past 3 years. The latest issue began on 11 February,...

Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant hit

February 14 2025 | 13:14

“Last night, a Russian attack drone with a high-explosive warhead struck the shelter protecting the world from radiation at the destroyed 4th power unit of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant. This shelter was built by Ukraine together with other countries of Europe and the world, together with America – all those committed to real security for humanity. The only country in the world that attacks such sites, occupies nuclear power plants, and wages war without any regard for the consequences is today’s Russia. This is a terrorist threat to the entire world. The shelter at the Chornobyl NPP was damaged by this drone. The fire has been extinguished. As of now, radiation levels have not increased and are being constantly monitored. According to initial assessments, the damage to the shelter is significant. Every night, Russia carries out such attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure and cities. Russia continues to expand its army and shows no change in its deranged, anti-human state rhetoric. This means that Putin is definitely not preparing for negotiations — he is preparing to continue deceiving the world. That is why there must be unified pressure from all who value life – pressure on the aggressor. Russia must be held accountable for its actions” - Ukrainian President, Volodymyr...

Zelenskyy warned that Putin is not for negotiations,

February 8 2025 | 13:27

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Vladimir Putin is not preparing for negotiations, but rather for the continuation of the war, and not only against Ukraine – particularly as the Kremlin is bolstering its military by more than 100,000 troops.

North Korean ballistic missiles fired at Ukraine

February 6 2025 | 12:41

North Korean ballistic missiles fired at Ukraine by Russian forces since late December have been far more precise than salvos of the weapons launched over the past year, senior Ukrainian sources told Reuters. Such improvements in North Korean missile capabilities have troubling implications for its potential to threaten South Korea, Japan and the US or sell upgraded weapons to "failed" states or armed...

Ukraine’s drone strikes

February 5 2025 | 12:38

Ukraine’s drone strikes crippled 25 Russian oil sites only in January alone, significantly cutting Russia’s war revenues. Systematic Ukrainian deep strikes on Russia’s largest oil facilities have revealed a vulnerable energy giant whose air defences struggle to protect its most vital economic...

Weapons Allotment near depletion

February 5 2025 | 12:10

Funds allocated by Congress for US weapons packages to Ukraine during the Biden administration are nearly depleted, with most of the equipment already delivered. A 30 December package from former President Joe Biden exhausted the remaining funds from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which has provided $32.7 billion for new equipment since 2022. Of the $45.8 billion allocated to a separate drawdown fund previously approved by Congress, only $3.8 billion, about 8%, remains. These drawdowns primarily pay US arms manufacturers to restock American weapon reserves rather than sending new arms to...

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, the US has been a major supplier of both military assistance and development aid.

January 30 2025 | 11:28

Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, the US has been a major supplier of both military assistance and development aid. Many local communities rely on aid and donor support to fund initiatives in education, health, energy, agriculture and infrastructure. Reuters spoke to 10 NGO leaders and representatives from across affected projects. They said the abrupt pause in US funding came as a shock to communities exhausted by wartime challenges, and they were scrambling for new sources of funding. Even if US aid resumes, several NGOs said it would be a challenge to keep their teams at a time of severe staff shortages in Ukraine as the war drains the labor force. Read more at ...