Russia Ukraine War latest news update for Today June 17, 2023.
Denmark ready to give F-16s to Ukraine if US approves.
Denmark’s Acting Defense Minister, Troels Lund Poulsen, stated on June 17 that Denmark is prepared to offer F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. However, this offer is contingent upon receiving approval from the United States, as reported by Danish media outlet Radio4.
Russian governor claims drone attack on oil refinery in Bryansk Oblast.
According to Bryansk Oblast Governor Alexander Bogomaz, an alleged drone attack targeted the Druzhba oil refinery in Bryansk Oblast. He claimed that three drones were intercepted and destroyed by Russian air defense systems. Governor Bogomaz accused Ukraine of carrying out the attack on the refinery.
US lawmakers submit bill to purchase ATACMS for Ukraine.
According to Policy Advisor to Helsinki Commission Paul Massaro, a new bill has been introduced to the U.S. Congress proposing the allocation of $80 million for the purchase of Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) for Ukraine. This defense budget bill aims to provide Ukraine with the necessary resources to enhance its military capabilities.
Jewish Confederation of Ukraine Defends Zelensky as a Hero for All Ukrainians.
In response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent comment regarding Ukrainian President Zelensky’s Jewish identity, the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine issued a statement. The organization emphasized that Zelensky is not only a hero for the Jewish community but also for the entire political Ukrainian nation, which naturally includes Jews.
During the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on June 16, Putin controversially asserted that Zelensky is “not Jewish” and referred to him as a “disgrace to the Jewish people,” despite Zelensky’s Jewish heritage. The Jewish Confederation of Ukraine’s response aims to highlight Zelensky’s significance and achievements, emphasizing his positive impact on both the Jewish community and the broader Ukrainian political landscape.
Evidence suggests Russia deliberately blew Kakhovka dam.
The New York Times published an investigation on June 17, which strongly suggests that the Kakhovka dam was intentionally destroyed. The report reveals that an explosive charge placed inside a passageway running through the concrete base was detonated, resulting in the dam’s destruction on June 6.
South African president arrives in Ukraine to meet Zelensky.
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa arrived in Ukraine on June 17 as part of the African Peace Mission to hold discussions with President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Ramaphosa is among the African delegation members who are seeking to kick-start a peace process between Kyiv and Moscow.
On June 17, he is scheduled to travel to the city of St. Petersburg in Russia, where he will meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
2 killed, 17 injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over past day.
Over the course of the last 24 hours, regional authorities have reported that Russian attacks on Ukraine resulted in the tragic deaths of two individuals and left 17 others injured.
Within Kherson Oblast, two people lost their lives and an additional two individuals were injured. Furthermore, in Donetsk, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, a total of 14 civilians suffered injuries as a result of these attacks.
Biden supports simplified procedure for Ukraine’s NATO accession.
According to Axios, it has been reported that the President of the United States, Joe Biden, is in favor of a simplified procedure for Ukraine’s accession to NATO. This comes as he supports the proposal put forth by the NATO chief, which suggests that Ukraine does not need to go through the traditional “membership action plan” (MAP) process.
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The MAP typically involves a step-by-step assessment of a country’s readiness and adherence to specific criteria for NATO membership, a process that can span several years or even decades. However, if the proposal by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg gains acceptance from other allies, Ukraine would follow a different path similar to that of Finland, which bypassed the MAP process altogether.
It is important to note that the simplified procedure would still require Ukraine to undertake necessary reforms. However, contrary to the desires of some Eastern European allies, it would not set a specific timeframe for Ukraine’s accession. The Washington Post, which initially reported on the White House’s tentative support for the plan, provided this information.
Russia Ukraine War : US lawmakers ask Biden to provide ATACMS to Ukraine.
A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has urged President Joe Biden to supply Ukraine with the long-range Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), according to a report by Politico on June 8.
The United States has thus far refrained from providing Ukraine with long-range missiles. Critics of this decision argue that the reluctance of allies to supply ATACMS missiles could hinder Ukraine’s efforts to reclaim the remaining Ukrainian territory, prolonging Russia’s aggressive war and potentially resulting in a significant loss of life.
The request from lawmakers highlights the ongoing concern among some U.S. officials regarding Russia’s actions in Ukraine and the need to provide Ukraine with additional military support. The decision on whether to supply ATACMS missiles to Ukraine ultimately lies with President Biden and his administration, who will consider various factors, including the potential impact on the conflict and broader geopolitical considerations.
It remains to be seen how the Biden administration will respond to this bipartisan request and whether it will lead to a change in the U.S. stance on providing long-range missiles to Ukraine.
Governor: Military airfield in Poltava Oblast suffers damage due to Russia’s overnight airstrike.
Russian forces launched an intense airstrike targeting Myrhorod military airfield in Poltava Oblast, Governor Dmytro Lunin reported on June 10.
The overnight attack was carried out using ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones, Lunin said. The fire at the attack site was partially extinguished as of 7:30 a.m. local time, and equipment has been transferred to a safer place. No casualties were reported.
