Russia Selenskyj: We are already preparing for winter
According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine is already preparing for the coming winter in order to prevent a major energy crisis.
30.07.2024, 06:09
30.07.2024, 06:10
SDA
In his evening video address, he reported on a visit to the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, which has been repeatedly hit by Russian attacks. "I held a meeting in Kharkiv to discuss security and energy issues, because energy is always one of the main topics," said Selensky.
A large proportion of Russian air and missile attacks in recent months have been aimed at destroying Ukraine's infrastructure. The energy supply was particularly targeted. Although repair teams are able to fix minor problems, the power supply has collapsed in many places in Ukraine.
Zelenskyi said that there were clear ideas on how the power deficit should be resolved step by step. "The onset of winter is being prepared now, in summer."
In order to secure the energy supply, Ukraine is continuing to work on the configuration of the air defense systems. "Commander-in-Chief (Olexander) Syrsky and the relevant commanders will present an updated structure of our air defense systems and new requirements to our partners - what exactly we need to provide by the end of this year."
Zelenskyi repeatedly asked Ukraine's Western partners for more air defense systems in order to build an effective protective shield against the constant Russian missile and air attacks. In addition, Kiev is still waiting for the arrival of the F-16 fighter jets provided by foreign partners.
Expert expects more security with F-16s
According to one expert, the eagerly awaited American F-16 fighter jets could make a significant contribution to securing Ukraine's airspace against Russian attacks. "Even one squadron of F-16s offers many possibilities for basic airspace protection," said Ukrainian aviation expert Anatoly Khrapchinsky on television. A NATO-standard squadron consists of 18 to 22 aircraft. The number of fighter planes could currently be more effective than the total number of air defense systems that Ukraine currently has.
In Khrapchinski's opinion, the deployment of the first F-16s should significantly reduce the number of missile incursions, as Russian aircraft are likely to hold back. However, the expert does not anticipate air battles, as the primary aim is to secure Ukrainian airspace from missile attacks. Even the possible use of F-16 air-to-air missiles against attacking Russian fighters could contribute to securing the airspace.
The expert assumes that the F-16s at Ukrainian military airfields are safe from Russian attacks. "We should not forget that there are certain technologies for countering threats from the air, in particular air defense systems, which will also be made available before the F-16s are delivered," said Khrapchinsky.
Ukraine is expecting the arrival of the first F-16s, which have been provided to the country by both the Netherlands and Denmark, in the near future. Belgium and Norway have also promised Ukraine additional fighter jets. Ukrainian pilots have already been trained on the aircraft. When exactly the first jets can be expected remains a military secret for the time being. According to the German government, the Bundeswehr does not have any F-16s.
New Leopards from Germany and a US package
Ukraine received a further eight Leopard tanks from Germany and Denmark. In addition to the Leopard 1A5s, Kiev also received two armored recovery vehicles and large quantities of ammunition for the Gepard anti-aircraft tank from Bundeswehr and industrial stocks, according to a list of military support for Ukraine from the German government.
Ukraine is receiving a further package of emergency aid from the USA amounting to 200 million dollars. This includes missiles for air defense and artillery systems as well as weapons for anti-tank defense, the Pentagon announced. A further aid package worth 1.5 billion dollars is in preparation.
