The German drone manufacturer, Quantum Systems, plans to establish production facilities in Ukraine, with a research and development center set to open first. Once this is in place, they will begin manufacturing spare parts and eventually, whole drones at the Ukrainian facility. Since the Russian invasion in 2022, Quantum Systems has provided Ukraine with dozens of reconnaissance drones and opened a service and training center in the country.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selensky celebrated the EU's decision to open accession negotiations, describing it as a victory for both Ukraine and Europe. The EU states have agreed on a new package of sanctions against Russia, including an import ban on diamonds and tightening the price cap on Russian oil exports to third countries.
Ukraine's largest mobile phone provider, Kyivstar, is still reeling from a massive hacker attack that has left millions of customers without mobile phone service for over two days. The suspected attack, which Russia's military intelligence service GRU is believed to be responsible for, has caused substantial damage.
In other developments, the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office has initiated criminal proceedings for the alleged abuse of Ukrainian prisoners of war as human shields by the Russian military. As of now, the Ukrainian armed forces are facing fierce attacks from the Russian side and are bracing themselves against Russian advancements. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is appealing to the EU summit to kickstart the accession negotiations, emphasizing the need for Europe not to deceive its people.
The Ukrainian Air Force is experiencing difficulties due to the deteriorating weather conditions, which makes its work more challenging, especially in the nights when attacks are usually carried out. Russian President Vladimir Putin made it clear that the war against Ukraine will continue in his annual question and answer session, which saw him presenting himself as a competent problem solver.
The trial of imprisoned former separatist leader Igor Girkin has begun in Moscow. Girkin, who supports the war against Ukraine but publicly criticizes the Kremlin's military leadership, is accused of public calls to extremism. The British intelligence reported that a newly formed Russian airborne division may have suffered heavy losses and missed its targets during its combat debut in Kherson Oblast, according to inadequate support from air forces and artillery.
Russian drone attacks on Ukraine violated NATO airspace over Romania on Thursday night, triggering alarm launches by German Eurofighters. Over two days since the attack, millions of Kyivstar customers are still without mobile telephony and internet service. The Ukrainian military reports that they have injured or killed 1300 Russian soldiers in the past 24 hours.
In global diplomatic efforts, China and Brazil have called for major world powers to work together on promoting peace in Ukraine, and the UN has reaffirmed its support for diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in Ukraine. Ukrainian officials are also actively seeking increased defense assistance and direct investments in long-range weapons production from their European and US allies.
On the battlefield, the use of drones has significantly changed the game for both sides. The Ukrainian military has implemented a groundbreaking initiative, the "Drone Line," which aims to integrate unmanned aerial systems (UAS) into frontline operations, creating a "kill zone" where enemies cannot move without suffering substantial losses. As a result, the use of drones has led to a seven-to-one casualty ratio in favor of Ukrainian forces in certain directions.
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