During his visit to Ukraine, Defense Minister Pistorius promised billions of dollars in additional military aid. In Kiev there is talk of a “strong support package”. The news at a glance.After Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius’ visit to Kiev, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj expressed his gratitude for the new arms package from Germany.EU Council President Charles Michel promised Ukraine’s efforts to start EU accession negotiations as quickly as possible. And the United Nations published new information on the number of civilians who have been killed and injured so far by Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. Zelenskyj: “Strong support package from Germany” With a view to the announced military aid worth 1.3 billion euros, which is under Zelenskyj said in his video message: “This will protect our cities and thousands of human lives from Russian terror.” It is “a new, strong support package from Germany.” Pistorius announced the new military aid during his visit to Kiev. In addition to the anti-aircraft systems, the package is also said to contain anti-tank mines and 155 mm NATO caliber artillery shells. The head of the Ukrainian presidential office, Andriy Yermak, wrote about four Iris-T systems. According to information on an overview list from the Ministry of Defense, Germany has already delivered three Iris-T SLM systems to Ukraine. Before Pistorius’ latest announcement, five more of these systems had already been announced there. Meanwhile, Pistorius only said about the German Taurus cruise missiles that Ukraine has been demanding for a long time: “There is no new information about Taurus.” The EU is providing Ukraine with another 1.5 billion Ukraine is receiving a further 1.5 billion euros from the European Union. “This helps us to maintain economic stability under war conditions,” wrote Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal on Telegram. In total, Kiev has already received over 16.5 billion euros from the European Union this year EU. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had previously informed about the payment on the online platform X (formerly Twitter). According to her, Brussels has supported Ukraine with 85 billion euros since the Russian invasion almost 21 months ago. EU Council President: Commitment to negotiations with UkraineEU Council President Michel, who also traveled to Kiev, assured Ukraine and the neighboring Republic of Moldova full support in their efforts to quickly start EU accession negotiations. He intends to do everything in his power to convince the 27 heads of state and government that a positive decision is needed in December, he said. Ukraine and Moldova are waiting for a decision on the start of accession negotiations. The EU Commission recommended this step in principle two weeks ago, but the governments of the EU countries still have to agree. A decision is expected to be made at the last regular summit of the year on December 14th and 15th. The result is open. The main reason is that reform requirements have not yet been fully met. UN: At least 10,000 civilians killed Since Russia’s invasion 21 months ago, the United Nations has registered at least 10,000 civilians killed in Ukraine – including more than 560 children. Since many bodies have not yet been identified, the actual number of victims is likely to be “significantly higher,” said the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva. In addition, with the help of the UN observers stationed on site, more than 18,500 injured civilians have been registered so far. USA fears Iranian missile deliveries to Russia The US government fears that Iran could supply Russia with ballistic missiles for use in Ukraine in the future. In return for this support, Russia has offered Tehran unprecedented defense cooperation, said National Security Council Communications Director John Kirby. During a visit to Iran in September, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu was shown ballistic missiles, Kirby continued. “We are therefore concerned that Iran is now considering supplying Russia with ballistic missiles for use in Ukraine.”
