The Kyiv Independent
News, analyses, investigations, opinions, podcasts and more. On-the-ground reporting from Ukraine
RFE/RL Schemes investigation reveals over 2,000 foreign-made parts used in Russian Sukhoi fighter jets.
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's investigation project Schemes revealed on April 17 that over 2,000 foreign-made electronic components are allegedly contained in Russian Sukhoi (Su-type) fighter jets, primarily originating from Japan and the United States.
According to RFE/RL , in collaboration with the Independent Commission Against Corruption, Ukrainian intelligence sources provided a list of foreign-made parts contained in Russian Su-27SM3, Su-30SM, Su-34, Su-35S, and Su-57 fighter jets.
Despite extensive Western sanctions aimed at cutting off supply lines, Russia continues to obtain sanctioned goods , such as microchips, via third-party countries, fueling its war machine.
According to the investigation, intermediary suppliers located in Hungary, Cyprus, Turkey, China, and Russia were allegedly involved in the distribution of Western electronic components to Russian factories.
The investigation also notes that Russian-based distributors, linked to Russia's military-industrial complex have evaded being subject to sanctions.
The foreign-made components are allegedly located in the nose and the middle section of the aircraft, and are primarily the basis of "navigation and missile guidance systems, electronic warfare means, and communication between aircraft and control points."
Russian Su-type aircraft are actively used to attack Ukraine and routinely fire guided missiles and aerial bombs and civilian and critical infrastructure.
Kyiv's allies have sought to halt the Kremlin's ability to circumvent their sanctions. One of the EU's latest sanctions package included a ban for third-country entities to re-export sensitive goods to Russia.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said last month that an estimated total of 1,500 foreign-made components were used in Russian missile attacks on Kyiv.
Trump says he would only continue US aid to Ukraine if Europe 'starts equalizing'.
The U.S. should stop providing aid to Ukraine "unless Europe starts equalizing," presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said in an interview with Time published on April 30.
Stoltenberg: Ukraine's trust in NATO 'dented' by aid delays.
Speaking to Reuters, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said an overhaul of how international military aid was coordinated was required.
Ukraine allocates funds for 300,000 drones
Ukraine has allocated a further Hr 15.5 billion ($391 million) to purchasing drones for the country's armed forces, enough to buy 300,000, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on April 30.
Georgian government holds rally with bussed-in supporters, escalates anti-Western rhetoric.
TBILISI, Georgia – The ruling Georgian Dream party staged a massive rally in Tbilisi on April 29, with tens of thousands of people bussed in from around the country to support the country's democratic backsliding.Party leaders, includi...
Poll: 74% of Ukrainians feel negatively towards Russians.
More than two-thirds of Ukrainians feel negatively toward Russians, while around one-third feel negatively towards Belarusians, according to a survey by the Kyiv Mohyla Academy's School for Policy Analysis on April 30.
Sparks fly as power lines hit by tornado in China
Several people were killed and dozens injured after a powerful tornado hit Guangzhou in China, according to Chinese state media. #CNN #News
McConnell doesn’t say whether he’ll vote for Trump: I said ‘I would support the nominee’.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) joins Meet the Press to discuss his endorsement of Donald Trump — and whether his “support” actually includes voting for the former president in November. » Subscribe to NBC News: NBC News Digital is ...
'PICK AND CHOOSE': America is stretched too thin, says GOP Sen.
Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, discusses Ukraine aid, the Biden administration's handling of the Hamas hostages, anti-Israel protests on college campuses and his support for Trump. #foxnews Subscribe to Fox News! Watch more Fox News Video: Watch Fox New...
Thousands of fans head to West Midlands to watch professional video gamers.
The slick world of esports came to the Resorts World Arena for ESL One Birmingham. 15,000 fans from across the world watched as teams battled it out - virtually. Read more: #gaming #technology #uknews SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel for more vide...
This is a ‘destruction of America’s rule of law’: Alan Dershowitz #shorts.
Harvard law professor emeritus Alan Dershowitz sounds off on the prosecution in New York v. Trump. #foxnews Subscribe to Fox News! Watch more Fox News Video: Watch Fox News Channel Live: FOX News Channel (FNC) is a 24-hour all-encompassing news se...
Hamas reviewing Israeli cease-fire plan for Gaza
Hamas says it is reviewing a cease-fire plan for Gaza put forth by Israel. This follows a visit to Israel by an Egyptian delegation where officials described a “new vision” for a prolonged end to hostilities. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has more. » Subs...