War against Ukraine: That’s the situation

Jeddah/Hiroshima. Stricter sanctions against Russia, discussions about new weapons aid and travel diplomacy: this weekend the course will be set for even greater support for Ukraine in the Russian war of aggression. After traveling across Europe, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke plainly on Friday at the Arab League summit in Saudi Arabia.

He then wants to campaign for more help at the summit of the leading democratic economic powers (G7) in Japan. The head of the Ukrainian presidential office, Andriy Yermak, confirmed Zelenskyy’s participation in the summit on Friday evening on Ukrainian television.

Selenskyj wants to meet US President Joe Biden in Hiroshima, among others. First and foremost, the Ukrainian President wanted to talk to the US colleague about the participation of the United States in the so-called fighter jet coalition, which he announced. “Today I can officially speak about the formation of the aviation coalition, and that means that very soon Ukraine will have everything to protect its skies, cities and citizens,” Yermak said.

Support for Ukraine at G7 summit

Biden had informed G7 leaders at the Hiroshima meeting that the United States would support training Ukrainian pilots on fourth-generation fighter jets, including the F-16. This was announced by a senior US official. First, pilots should be trained. Then it will be decided when and how many aircraft will be delivered and who will make them available, he said. With the promise, Biden Zelenskyj is fulfilling a wish that was made months ago.

So far, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark have supported this fighter jet coalition. France is also included, although the country does not have any F-16 jets. Zelenskyy has welcomed US support for the so-called fighter jet coalition as a “historic decision”. “This will significantly strengthen our army in the sky,” Zelenskyy tweeted early Friday evening. “I look forward to discussing the practical implementation of this decision during the #G7 Summit in Hiroshima.”

The Group of 7 (US, Canada, UK, France, Italy, Japan, Germany and the EU) also agreed to restrict trade in diamonds from Russia. Russia is the world’s largest producer of rough diamonds. Revenue in 2021 was four billion euros. The EU has not restricted trade so far, mainly because of opposition from diamond centers in Belgium.

Selenskyj for the first time in the Arab League

This part of travel diplomacy is also important for Zelenskyj. Many Arab countries tend to have good relations with Russia and are trying to remain neutral in the Ukraine war. “Unfortunately, some in the world and here in your circle are turning a blind eye,” Zelenskyi said in Jeddah. Some summit participants “have a different view of the war in our country and describe it as a conflict.”

Arab diplomats said the visit offered an opportunity to talk about a solution. Ways to start direct negotiations between Moscow and Kiev could also be discussed. Saudi Arabia offered to act as a mediator on several occasions.

Moscow imposes a travel ban on 500 US citizens

In response to a new US sanctions package against Russia, Moscow has imposed an entry ban on 500 US citizens. This is the response to the Biden government’s “regular anti-Russian sanctions” intended to inflict maximum damage on Russia, the State Department said in Moscow on Friday. Former US President Barack Obama is also included in the list at position 268, alongside other current and former politicians. The list also includes “heads of companies of the military-industrial complex that supply weapons to the regime in Kiev”.

Ukraine reports land gains near Bakhmut

According to their own account, the Ukrainian troops have gained ground in counterattacks around the city of Bakhmut in the east of the country. “The enemy is continuing its assault attacks inside the city,” spokesman for the Ukrainian Army Group East, Serhiy Cherevatyy, said on state television on Friday. The Ukrainian units, on the other hand, put pressure on the Russian troops outside the city and continued to advance there.

“The situation in Bakhmut is difficult, but under control,” said Cherevaty. “We can see the enemy’s intentions, anticipate them, anticipate them.” Gradually, the Russian troops lost the initiative.

Attack on the railway line with consequences for the Russian fleet

According to British secret services, a suspected attack on an important railway line on the Crimea annexed by Russia also has consequences for the Russian Black Sea fleet. The British Ministry of Defense announced that it was the only train connection to the port of Sevastopol, where the fleet is stationed.

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