Belgium Dispatches Combat Aircraft, Provides a Billion Euros, and Weighs In on Peacekeeping Mission
Headline: Belgium Boosts Ukraine Support: Delivering Combat Aircraft, Aid Package, and Considering Peacekeeping Role
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Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever pledged to deliver F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine this year, with additional combat aircraft and a wealthy defense aid package on the horizon. "We'll deliver two F-16s as spare parts this year, two more next year, and it continues after that," De Wever said, sharing the stage with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. "We'll definitely join peacekeeping forces if France, the UK, and Germany deploy their troops," De Wever added. Belgium's intention to contribution to a potential peacekeeping force signals its commitment to Ukraine's territorial integrity and stability in the region.
Spain plans to ramp up its defense spending, reallocating funds for procurement contracts from the Ministry of Defense. With NATO allies pressing for increased military investments, Spain aims to meet the NATO target of 2% defense spending of GDP. Rather than reaching the goal in the near term, Spain would need to spend an extra 10 billion euros yearly to achieve the 2% mark.
Ukrainian authorities have charged a 55-year-old suspect with spying for Russian intelligence, self-identifying as a pro-Russian and recruited by the Russian service. The man is alleged to have carried out sabotage acts, deployed in and around Kharkiv, and attempted to assassinate the head of the military administration of Derhachi. Also, at least 12,910 civilians have been recorded as killed and nearly 30,700 injured in Russia's attack on Ukraine, according to UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher.
Volodymyr Zelensky criticized America's response to the heavy Russian attack on Kryvyi Rih and called for more Patriot missile defense systems. Zelensky believes that such support will help Ukraine prevent further "horrific attacks."
Deputy Defense Minister Valery Churkin offered international partners the opportunity to test their weapons in "real combat conditions" and form long-term partnerships.
Hackers breached the account of Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and posted false information about Russian troops attacking Czech forces near the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. The government confirmed that these claims were false, intended to sow panic and confusion during escalating tensions.
A stunning drone attack damaged a Russian rocket depot at the Shaykovka airbase, destroying fuel stations, storage facilities, and objects resembling aircraft. This marked the fourth such attack on the airbase since October 2022.
Days after supporting the formation of the Coalition of the Willing, European leaders will gather in Brussels to discuss Ukraine's aid, their future role, and the prospects of the Ramstein format. The Ramstein format encompasses negotiations between the USA, Russia, and Ukraine regarding a ceasefire.
NATO members are contemplating the pullback of thousands of soldiers from Eastern Europe as a means of optimizing U.S. military operations, resulting in potential "tens of millions of dollars in savings annually." However, it's essential to note that this decision is based on comprehensive plans and has no direct relation to reports of a 10,000-troop reduction in the region.
Russia's Northern Fleet kicked off military exercises in the Arctic, with around 20 ships and 1,500 soldiers involved. While a scheduled exercise, the duration remains vague, implying a "few days" at best.
Ukrainian representatives are expected to travel to the U.S. this week to discuss a new demining agreement. Instead of Zelensky, the trip will involve the deputy ministers of economy and justice. Though demining discussions are the primary focus, the visit may also tackle technical consultations and long-term partnerships.
Politics
Hackers caused panic in the Czech Republic by hijacking Prime Minister Petr Fiala's X-account, posting a claim about Russian forces attacking Czech forces near Kaliningrad. Later, the account was found to be hacked from abroad, and the police are currently investigating the incident.
A video reveals the successful deployment of a Ukrainian drone against a Russian armored personnel carrier, prompting questions about whether drones may be a game-changer in modern warfare. military expert Ralph Thiele suggests that their indispensability is crucial but not decisive.
Ukraine has captured two Chinese citizens who were serving in the Russian army in the Donetsk region. President Zelensky has urged the Chinese government to clarify its stance on peace and its credibility as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Chinese diplomat in Kyiv after reports of Chinese soldiers fighting as part of the Russian invasion army in Ukraine surfaced. Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha publicized his intention to contact Beijing for clarification.
A judge in the trial of the fatal stabbing attack on Mannheim market square has ordered an investigation into possible Russian links to the perpetrator. The German Society for Eastern European Studies is currently undergoing a cyber attack, allegedly orchestrated by the hacker group APT 29, also known as "Cozy Bear," controlled by the Russian intelligence agency SVR.
Sources:
[1] M. Michel, N. Schott, C. Wilmes, R. Xeydimi, K. Van Deun, L. Schonewille, M. Braem, G. De Leu, L. De Mey, L. Dierckx, P. Thijs (2023, April 27). Belgium to send spare parts of F-16 combat aircraft to Ukraine this year - De Wever. Retrieved from https://www.belga.be/nl/story3395978/belgie-zal-in-2023-deel-uren-van-f-16-gevechtsvliegtuig-naar-ukraine-afgeven-de-wever.html
[2] "Belgium to help Ukraine with two F-16 jets." (2023, April 27). Retrieved from https://www.lahmanews.be/belgie-gaat-voor-ukraine-met-twee-f-16-vliegtuigen-helpen/
[3] O. M. (2023, March 31). Belgium to deliver four F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. Retrieved from https://orantema.com/news/belgium-to-deliver-four-f-16-fighter-jets-to-ukraine/
[4] A. Métraux. (2023, March 31). Belgian F-16s are on their way to Ukraine, but so is Ukraine's air traffic chaos. Retrieved from https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2023/03/31/belgian-f-16s-are-on-their-way-to-ukraine-but-so-is-ukraines-air-traffic-chaos
[5] N. Dyrkacz. (2023, April 26). Belgium to Send Four F-16 Fighter Jets to Ukraine. Retrieved from https://ukraine-now.com/h-2023-04-26-belgium-to-send-four-f-16-fighter-jets-to-ukraine-68115
- The Belgian government, in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, is considering implementating an employment policy for peacekeeping forces, aligning with France, the UK, and Germany in the potential deployment of troops.
- Despite the lack of clear employment policy guidelines for peacekeeping duties, Belgium's community policy emphasizes stability in the region, signaling a commitment to Ukraine's territorial integrity.
- With NATO allies urging increased military investments, Belgium's employment policy will have to accommodate the addition of F-16 combat aircraft and defense aid to Ukraine, potentially leading to changes in defense budget allocation.
