Importance Score: 78 / 100 🔴
Czech Initiative Aims to Deliver 1.5 Million Artillery Rounds to Ukraine in 2025
Building on its efforts from last year, the Czech Republic’s ammunition initiative for Ukraine is poised to supply another 1.5 million artillery rounds in 2025, mirroring the previous year’s contribution, according to Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala. Speaking after the Paris summit of Ukraine’s allies, Fiala highlighted the ongoing success of the initiative, which is financially supported by numerous allied nations. In 2024, the Czech defense ministry disclosed the delivery of 500,000 units of 155mm shells in February alone. These 155mm rounds are compatible with NATO artillery systems provided to Ukraine by Western allies, complementing Ukraine’s existing arsenal of 152mm shells used in post-Soviet weaponry. The Czech-led effort encompasses the supply of both 155mm and 152mm caliber ammunition.
European Leaders Reaffirm Support for Ukraine and Consider Increased Sanctions on Russia
At the Paris summit, European leaders reiterated their commitment to supporting Ukraine and concurred that lifting sanctions against Russia is “not appropriate at this time.” Instead, discussions have revolved around potentially escalating sanctions to align with the US objective of compelling Russia to engage in meaningful negotiations. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that leaders are exploring measures to amplify economic pressure on Russia, expedite new and more stringent sanctions targeting Russia’s energy revenues, and collaborate to maximize the impact of these sanctions.
Military Chiefs to Visit Kyiv as Allies Explore Further Military Aid
Prime Minister Starmer also confirmed that the army chiefs from France, Britain, and Germany will travel to Kyiv to assist in planning enhanced support for the Ukrainian army. A new Ukraine defense contact group is scheduled to convene to coordinate additional military aid and sustain Ukraine’s defense capabilities. French President Emmanuel Macron referenced a “coalition of the willing” involving France and Britain, proposing the deployment of forces to Ukraine to help maintain a potential ceasefire. Macron acknowledged that this plan currently lacks unanimous support but emphasized that unanimity is not a prerequisite for action. While Italy and other allies have expressed reluctance to send troops, Macron indicated the formation of a “reassurance force” comprising several European nations for deployment to Ukraine.
Kherson Hit by Shelling, Energy Infrastructure Affected
Tragic reports emerged from Kherson, a southern city in Ukraine, where “massive shelling” resulted in the deaths of a 55-year-old woman and a man at a public transportation hub, according to the regional governor. The shelling also caused damage to railway infrastructure and disruptions to power supplies. Kyiv has accused Russia of violating commitments not to target Ukrainian energy infrastructure as a result of this incident. A senior Ukrainian official informed AFP that while the “shelling, seemingly not aimed at the energy sector, but the energy sector was affected,” Ukraine considers this a “clear violation.” Ukraine has dismissed Russian claims of Ukrainian drone attacks on energy facilities in Russia’s Kursk and Bryansk regions, as well as in occupied Crimea, labeling them as “fake.”
Zelenskyy Urges US Response to Alleged Russian Violation on Energy Targets
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appealed to the United States to react to what he characterized as Moscow’s breach of its pledge not to strike Ukrainian energy targets. Speaking to reporters in Paris, Zelenskyy stated that energy facilities sustained damage in Thursday’s strike and questioned “who is monitoring” the adherence to commitments regarding the cessation of such attacks.
Zelenskyy Maintains “Strategic Optimism” Amidst Conflict
Despite challenges, President Zelenskyy has adopted a tone of “strategic optimism” this week, as noted by Dan Sabbagh in a recent analysis. Although Zelenskyy voiced concerns about “messages of the Kremlin” being echoed by Steve Witkoff, a Donald Trump envoy, he expressed confidence that the White House administration would eventually recognize the Kremlin’s lack of good faith. He believes it will become increasingly evident that “the Russians don’t want” an unconditional ceasefire, citing their escalating objections. Zelenskyy asserted that “People,” referring to Trump’s senior team, “will not believe the Russians more and more with every day,” suggesting a diminishing credibility of Russian assurances over time.
Ukrainian Railway Services Partially Restored After Cyberattack
Ukrzaliznytsia, Ukraine’s state-owned railway operator, announced the partial restoration of online services following a major cyberattack that impacted passenger and freight transport systems. The company reported that the initial 12,000 tickets were sold via Ukrzaliznytsia’s online platforms post-restoration. However, the system is still experiencing high demand, and the company advises customers to utilize online services only if alternative ticket purchasing methods are unavailable.
German Jets Intercept Russian Reconnaissance Aircraft Over Baltic Sea
Germany’s Eurofighter jets intercepted and escorted a Russian Ilyushin Il-20 reconnaissance plane away from north-eastern Germany over the Baltic Sea on Thursday, according to the Luftwaffe. The German air force stated the interception was prompted by an “unknown aeroplane over the Baltic Sea” operating “without a flight plan or activated transponder.” The Russian aircraft was guided back towards Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave, its point of origin, as reported by German news outlet Bild.
US Mineral Deal Terms with Ukraine Under Ongoing Negotiation, Zelenskyy Says
President Zelenskyy informed reporters that the United States is “constantly” modifying the terms of a proposed minerals deal with Ukraine. Despite this, he emphasized that Kyiv does not want Washington to perceive Ukraine as being opposed to the agreement. According to the Financial Times, a revised proposal would grant the US preferential rights to purchase resources extracted under the agreement. Additionally, it stipulates that the US would recoup all financial aid provided to Ukraine since 2022, plus a 4% annual interest rate, before Ukraine can access profits from the deal. Scott Bessent, Donald Trump’s treasury secretary, indicated this week that the US hoped to “go to full discussions and perhaps even get signatures next week,” notwithstanding previous months of repeated assurances from the Trump administration that a deal was imminent.
Netherlands to Expedite €3.5 Billion Support Package for Ukraine
The Netherlands will accelerate the disbursement of its pledged €3.5 billion support package for Ukraine, allocating €2 billion this year instead of the initially planned 2026 timeframe, a spokesperson for the Dutch prime minister confirmed on Thursday.