Netherlands, Denmark, Germany to send Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine
Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands say they plan to provide Ukraine with at least 100 refurbished Leopard 1 battle tanks, a pledge that comes as Kyiv anticipates a new Russian offensive around the anniversary of its invasion.
The announcement followed Germany agreeing last month to allow deliveries of the more modern German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.
In a joint statement, the defence ministers of the three countries said the shipment of the older Leopard 1 tanks was part of an effort “to support Ukraine in their endeavor to withstand Russian aggression.”
”(It) will significantly enhance Ukraine’s military potential for the restoration of their violated territorial integrity,” they said, adding that the delivery would occur “within the coming months” and include logistical support and training.
Protective structures at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant near ‘completion’
An adviser to the head of Russia’s nuclear plants operator Rosenergoatom says the construction of protective structures for key facilities at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station in Ukraine is nearing completion, the Russian state news agency TASS reported.
Europe’s largest nuclear power plant was captured by Russian troops in March in the opening days of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. It remains close to the front lines and has repeatedly come under fire, raising fears of a nuclear disaster.
“The erection of engineering and construction structures, which are designed to provide additional protection for important infrastructure facilities of the nuclear power plant, including those related to the storage of radioactive materials, is at the completion stage,” TASS quoted Renat Karchaa as saying.
Karchaa did not provide any other information about the structures.
Fire breaks out at US drone factory supplying Ukraine
A fire broke out at a US factory in Latvia used to build drones for Ukraine’s military and NATO allies.
Fire brigades and ambulances were at the factory run by the US firm Edge Autonomy.
Footage of the fire has flooded social media.
According to its website, the California-based company produces long-range uncrewed aircraft for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
Germany approves Leopard 1 tanks for Ukraine
The German security council has approved the delivery of 178 Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine from industry stocks, Germany’s Spiegel Online reported without citing its sources.
It said some of the tanks would be sent in the summer but the bulk would be delivered next year.
The move follows the German government’s decision last month to allow the shipment of the more modern Leopard 2 battle tanks to Ukraine after international pressure mounted and ended months of hesitation by Berlin.
Ukrainian rescue workers to arrive in Turkey ‘soon’: Zelenskyy
Zelenskyy says a group of Ukrainian rescue workers will travel to Turkey to help in the aftermath of Monday’s deadly earthquakes.
The Ukrainian president tweeted, “Speaking to President [Recep Tayyip] Erodgan, I expressed condolences over the tragedy that befell the Turkish people due to the earthquakes. I informed of the decision to send a group of rescuers and equipment from Ukraine to Turkey to help in overcoming the aftermath. They will soon arrive in affected regions.”
Turkey has imposed a state of emergency as the death toll rapidly rises.