Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in conversation, Kyiv, January 16, 2025
Thursday’s Coverage: Zelensky Hosts UK Prime Minister Starmer
Map: Institute for the Study of War
UPDATE 1836 GMT:
The US sent $1.5 billion to Ukraine in September to support the drone industry.
The Biden Administration has declassified documents about the initiative to enhance Kyiv’s capabilities, designing a new generation of UAVs.
The Administration also fostered partnerships between US tech companies and Ukrainian drone producers.
Ukrainian maritime drones have destroyed 25% of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, and aerial drones have slowed Russian advances in eastern Ukraine.
By the end of 2024, Ukraine had delivered over 200,000 domestically produced drones to frontline units, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said in December.
UPDATE 1306 GMT:
Russia’s State-linked hackers have targeted the WhatsApp accounts of government ministers and officials around the world.
The hackers of Star Blizzard, impersonating a US Government official, sent e-mails inviting the targets to join user groups on “the latest non-governmental initiatives aimed at supporting Ukraine NGOs”. If the receipient clicks on a QR code, they are connected to a linked device which can access their WhatsApp account.
The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre has linked Star Blizzard to Russia’s State security service FSB, in operations to “undermine trust in politics in the UK and like-minded states”.
UPDATE 1256 GMT:
At least 12 Indians have died alongside Russia’s armed forces during the invasion of Ukraine, India’s Foreign Ministry says.
Another 18 are still serving in the army, of whom Russia has listed 16 as “missing”.
Last year Indian officials exposed a major human trafficking network that luring young Indian men to Russia with the promise of jobs, only to force them onto the frontline in Ukraine.
UPDATE 1242 GMT:
Four civilians have been killed and at least seven injured by a Russian missile attack on Kryvyi Rih in the Dnipropetrovsk region in south-central Ukraine.
At least three of the wounded are in critical condition.
The attack damaged an educational institution and a residential building.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, a native of Kryvyi Rih, posted, “Each such terrorist attack is another reminder of whom we are dealing with. Russia will not stop on its own – it can only be stopped by joint pressure.”
UPDATE 1043 GMT:
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has criticized Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s blocking of a further €3 billion ($3.09 billion) in military aid for Ukraine.
“To be honest, it hurts me a lot,” she said. Without mentioning Scholz’s name, she said:
Even now, during the election campaign, some prioritize a national perspective — or how to quickly gain a few votes in the parliamentary election — rather than taking real responsibility for securing Europe’s peace and freedom.
The coalition Scholz Government is facing national elections on February 23.
Baerbock worried that her government is losing the trust of European allies: “That trust must not be damaged again by hesitation, which could make other countries worry that Germany won’t stand by them.”
UPDATE 1012 GMT:
Ukraine national police say they are “conducting more than 200 searches regarding cases of illegal border crossings”, amid investigation of the exit of military-aged men from the country.
Last week, authorities said police were searching around 600 homes, offices, and other sites, targeting the organisers of schemes that help draft evaders.
Today’s searches are across 19 regions.
UPDATE 1008 GMT:
One person has been killed and at least 16 injured, including a 12-year-old boy, by Russian attacks across Ukraine over the past day.
Air defenses downed 33 of 50 drones launched by Russia overnight. Another nine were lost to electronic counter-measures, and one left in the direction of Romania.
ORIGINAL ENTRY: Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky obtained military and financial commitments from the UK, Italy, and the Netherlands in a series of meetings on Thursday.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the provision of a new air defense system, Gravehawk. The system, around the size of a shipping container, has been developed by Britain and Denmark so Ukraine can use domestically-made missiles to down Russian aerial threats. Two prototypes were tested in Ukraine in September, with 15 to be sent this year.
Starmer also said the UK could provide troops as part of a peacekeeping force if negotiations end Russia’s 35-month invasion. And he announced a “historic” 100-year partnership for links in the economy, science, technology, and £3 billion in annual military aid until 2030-2031 and “as much as it takes” beyond that.
The Prime Minister said Britain would support Ukraine “beyond this terrible war” and into a future where it is “free and thriving again”.
As the two leaders talked, a Russian drone flew over Zelenskyy’s Mariinskyi Palace, triggering anti-aircraft fire.
Starmer said the attack was a reminder of what Ukrainians experienced every day: “It makes it real for us. It’s an everyday threat Ukraine is facing with incredible resolve and determination.”
Asked about the “hello from Moscow”, Zelensky said, “We will say hello to them as well.”
Bomber drones, reconnaissance UAVs, and FPV drone carriers – manufactured by Ukrainian companies and in collaboration with British partners.
Today, together with UK Prime Minister @Keir_Starmer, we met with drone manufacturers and reviewed innovations that are helping our… pic.twitter.com/Ha5d543Pad
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 16, 2025
Zelensky: “A Busy and Productive Day”
Zelensky’s talks with Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto cover defense support and security guarantees. Specific attention was given to air defense systems, training Ukrainian personnel in Italy, and joint defense production. Zelensky highlighted the importance of investing in Ukraine’s defense industry, particularly drone production.
The two men agreed that Ukraine’s future NATO membership is “the most effective” security guarantee, advancing “a just and lasting peace for all Europe.” They also discussed plans for the Ukraine Recovery Conference, scheduled in Rome on July 10-11.
Crosetto added,”I came here to discuss the 11th support package, as the 10th has already been approved. As we have already discussed, now is the moment — perhaps the most critical moment in the past three years — to increase support.”
After his visit to Kyiv, Dutch Foreign Minister Kaspar Veldkamp announced €27 million ($27.8 million) in new aid for Ukraine.
The package includes €7 million through the Comprehensive Assistance Package, coordinated by NATO, to provide non-lethal support such as fuel, medical supplies, winter equipment, and electronic warfare systems.
Another €20 million euros ($20.6 million) is being allocated to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to assist with critical infrastructure needs.
Zelensky summarized in his nightly address to the nation:
Today was a busy and productive day filled with important international meetings. I welcomed UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Kyiv. Together, we signed a One Hundred Year Partnership Agreement, marking a new format of relations between Ukraine and the United Kingdom.
I also met… pic.twitter.com/17RSVu7OlS
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 16, 2025