Manufacturing
US to send medium-range rocket systems to Ukraine
A $700-million weapon package to be formally unveiled on Wednesday, including High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), which are to enable Ukraine to fire more precisely at targets in its eastern part, the officials were quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Ukrainian officials had offered assurances that the HIMARS would not be used to strike targets inside the Russian territory.
Russia's Lavrov denies Putin is ill
Unconfirmed reports persist that Putin, who is turning 70 this year, suffers from deteriorating health issues and may have been diagnosed with cancer and Parkinson's. In an interview with French TV, Lavrov said no one "sane" could see any signs of illness in Putin, who reportedly has his food tested before eating it and bans his staff from standing too close to him,Daily Mail reported.
Russia has captured most of Lymanin in the Donetsk region
Lyman is strategically important because as it gives access to important rail and road bridges over the Siverskyy Donets River. "In the coming days, Russian units in the area are likely to prioritise forcing a crossing of the river," the ministry said. But Moscow's main focus remains on Severodonetsk in the Luhansk region, it says.
Zelensky, Finnish PM discuss Ukraine's European integration, post-war recovery
At the talks in Kiev on Thursday, Zelensky thanked the Finnish government for providing financial, defense and humanitarian aid for Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia, reports Xinhua news agency. He also stressed the importance of visits of foreign high-ranking officials to the Ukrainian capital.
Countries attempting to isolate Russia only hurt themselves: Putin
While addressing the plenary session of the First Eurasian Economic Forum on Thursday, Putin said it would simply be unfeasible and impossible to isolate Russia, and "those, who aspire to do so would harm themselves the most", reports Xinhua news agency. The President noted that the current state of the global economy demonstrates that Russia's position is right and justified, as opposed to the countries, which are trying to "pursue short-sighted policies".
Ukrainian, German Foreign Ministers discuss heavy weapon supplies
"We need more heavy weapons delivered as soon as possible, especially MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket Systems), to repel Russian attacks," Kuleba tweeted after the talks. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister added that he had briefed Baerbock on the difficult situation in the Donbass region, Xinhua news agency reported.
Russia cancels upper age limit for military personnel
Previously, Russian citizens aged 18-40 and foreigners aged 18-30 were entitled to conclude the first contract for military service, reports Xinhua news agency. Now those who are older will be able to serve under a contract until the end of the working age, the State Duma or the lower house of Parliament, said on Wednesday.
Kiev condemns Russia's fast-track passport issuance decree for Ukrainian citizens
"The decree of the President of Russia is legally null and void and will have no legal consequences," the ministry was quoted by Xinhua news agency as saying. The issuance of Russian passports to Ukrainian citizens living in the territories seized by Russia is a "gross violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, norms and principles of international humanitarian law," it said.
Russia to continue military operation in Ukraine until 'all goals met
"We will continue the special military operation until all objectives are accomplished, despite the large-scale Western assistance to Kiev, and the sanctions pressure on Russia," local media reported, citing Shoigu during a meeting of the Council of Defence Ministers of the Collective Security Treaty Organization. Shoigu added that Russia was intentionally slowing its offensive in Ukraine "to avoid civilian casualties", Xinhua news agency reported.
Poland terminates gas contract with Russia
The contract would originally end at the end of this year, reports Xinhua news agency. After the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, Poland announced a plan to end imports of Russian coal, gas and oil, while Russia in April halted deliveries of gas in retaliation to Poland's refusal to pay for energy in ruble.
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