The Kyiv Independent
News, analyses, investigations, opinions, podcasts and more. On-the-ground reporting from Ukraine
At NATO-Ukraine Council, Stoltenberg says allies pledge more air defense systems.
NATO allies have pledged to provide Ukraine with more air defense systems, including Patriots, said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the NATO-Ukraine Council on April 19.
President Volodymyr Zelensky requested the gathering earlier this week amid Russia's intensifying aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities that continue to highlight the growing shortage of sufficient air defense systems.
"In addition to Patriots, there are other weapons that allies can provide, including (the French system) SAMP/T, and many others, who do not have available systems, have pledged to provide financial support to purchase them for Ukraine," said Stoltenberg.
In a Telegram post accompanying his televised remarks at the meeting, Zelensky said that Ukraine needs a minimum of seven Patriot systems, which would "save many lives."
Iran's massive drone and missile attack on Israel at the weekend has raised questions in Kyiv about the differences in how NATO countries help defend the skies of Israel and Ukraine.
Zelensky again referenced Iran's attack and the subsequent NATO defense, saying it had demonstrated the effectiveness of NATO's air defense capabilities. He added that NATO's intervention to protect Israeli skies "destroyed" the "dangerous myth" that NATO actions to defend a non-alliance member means that NATO is directly involved in a war.
Russia's recent strikes against Ukraine's energy infrastructure destroyed several thermal power plants across the country, including the Trypillia plant , the main electricity supplier to Kyiv, Zhytomyr, and Cherkasy oblasts.
Kyiv has ramped up its calls on allies to provide Ukraine with more air defenses, in particular with U.S.-made Patriot systems that can intercept ballistic missiles .
Kyiv authorities advise citizens against visiting churches during Easter celebrations, citing potential safety concerns.
On May 5, Orthodox Easter in Ukraine, security measures will be intensified in Kyiv. Local authorities are urging residents to follow the service online rather than attending church due to security concerns.
Yermak: Ukraine strongly encouraging Chinese participation in upcoming global peace summit.
While Russia has not been invited to the summit, Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak said that China’s attendance would be very important, and that Ukraine is making every effort to engage Chinese delegates in participating in the event.
Russia attacks 9 communities in Sumy Oblast
Russian forces attacked nine border areas and settlements of Sumy Oblast on May 2, firing 40 times and causing at least 215 explosions, the Sumy Oblast Military Administration reported.
Battle of Chasiv Yar begins under a drone-infested sky.
Over March and April, Russian forces made a string of gains through fields and forests, bringing them up against the first streets of Chasiv Yar.
Georgian PM refuses to visit US due to condition regarding 'foreign agents' law.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze will not travel to the U.S. because he was invited under the condition that Tbilisi suspend discussions on the controversial "foreign agents" law in parliament, the Georgian Foreign Ministry said on May 2.
In major shift, Biden Administration to change marijuana classification.
The plan to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug follows a sea change in how most people think about marijuana, and the legalization of the drug in dozens of states. NBC News' Blayne Alexander » Subscribe to NBC News: NBC News Digital is...
Trump fined $9,000 for violating judge's gag order
The judge in former President Trump's hush money trial found him in contempt of court for multiple violations of his gag order, fining him $1,000 for each of nine violations and threatening jail time if there are more. Also, former President Donal...
Breaking News: NYPD officers sent into Columbia University's campus amid protests.
(Warning: This video may contain graphic language) The NYPD has been given permission to enter the Columbia University campus amid ongoing protests. Watch live coverage. #news #breakingnews #livenews CBS News Streaming Network is the premier 24/7 ...
Tragic stories shed light on romance scam epidemic
A yearlong investigation by CBS News sheds light on some extreme measures being taken by romance scammers who increasingly leverage their relationships to turn victims into "money mules," posing a big challenge for investigators. Look inside the n...
BREAKING: Columbia students and faculty told to shelter in place as NYPD gathers near campus.
The NYPD presence is growing larger outside of Columbia University where protesters are standing firm at the university's gates. Students and faculty were told to shelter in place or risk facing disciplinary actions. » Subscribe to NBC News: NBC N...
New phase in Russia's misinformation campaign against U.
The Kremlin is shifting its focus to the war in Gaza, trying to inflame tensions in the United States, including the campus protests over the war, according to sources familiar with the intelligence reporting and independent researchers. The aim, ...