Turchynov: combat efficiency of Russian Zapad-2017 exercises was 'tainted by rain'
The effectiveness of the Russian forces involved in the Zapad 2017 exercises was significantly reduced and ruined by heavy rain, said Oleksandr Turchynov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) of Ukraine.
“On September 18, 2017, at the Luga 33th combined arms training ground of the Western Military District in the Leningrad province, a tactical episode of defense maneuvers and the transition to offense was demonstrated for the high-ranking political leadership of Russia …
Bulgaria to seek lifting of sanctions against Russia during its Chairmanship in the EU
Bulgaria intends to seek the lifting of sanctions against Russia during its term as chairman of the Council of the EU in 2018, as announced by the Prime Minister of Bulgaria Boyko Borisov during the opening of an office of the European Investment Bank in Sofia, news agency Ukrinform reports.
“During our term as chairman of the EU, we must work politically and diplomatically to lift sanctions from Russia and reduce tensions between Europe and Russia. I do not know if we will be able to do this, …
Russian UN delegation leaves before Lithuanian President’s speech
The Russian delegation left the session of the UN General Assembly before the speech of Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite. Before her speech, First Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations Pyotr Ilyichev and the Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs Leonid Slutsky left the hall. On Tuesday, Grybauskaite met with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
The press service of the Lithuanian president reported that during this …
Helicopter accidentally fires missile at reporters during Russian-Belarusian Zapad 2017 drills
A video from the cabin of the Ka-52 helicopter, which accidentally shot at spectators at the Zapad 2017 exercises in the Leningrad province, has appeared online, published by the Mash telegram channel.
The video shows the helicopter firing unguided C-8 missiles at an area with vehicles. According to 66.ru news website, there were journalists among those injured as a result.
Bloggers from the Conflict Intelligence Team (CIT) have analyzed the video clip showing the effects of the helicopter …
US Senate approves military aid for Ukraine
On September 18, the US Senate supported the key elements of the amendments to the US National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2018, which increases assistance to Ukraine in the area of security.
The bill envisions the provision of $500 million of security assistance, including lethal and non-lethal equipment, training and technical assistance, Voice of America reports.
This is the first time the bill allows for aid to be given to increase Ukraine’s naval capabilities, which deteriorated …