Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported in his nightly address the successful use of new Ukrainian-made long-range weapons, saying they hit a target 700 kilometers away. Zelenskyy did not say which weapons were involved and whether they were used in a test or against an enemy target.
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The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense appeared to be referring to the weapons in one Social media post following Zelensky’s comments. Hours earlier, the Ukrainian leader said the weapons were manufactured by the Ministry of Strategic Industry.
Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder urged North Korea not to negotiate with or supply arms to Russia. In a briefing with reporters, he described the weapons in question as “essentially artillery ammunition.” The day before, US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said that Russia and North Korea are “actively advancing” negotiations over weapons to be used in the war in Ukraine.
Moscow’s mayor reported early Friday that drones had been shot down outside the city. According to a Telegram post by Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
British company BAE Systems will open an office in Kiev to increase its supply of weapons, equipment and military know-how, Zelenskyy’s office said in a statement on Thursday. BAE has supplied Ukraine with weapons such as the L119 and M777 artillery systems, Zelenskyy said. The latest agreement “paves the way for us to work together to more directly support the Ukrainian armed forces,” BAE chief executive Charles Woodburn said, according to Portal.
The Ukrainian foreign minister has sharply criticized the speed of his country’s counteroffensive. Dmytro Kuleba said in Spain on Thursday that criticizing the slow pace of the counteroffensive was tantamount to “spitting in the face.” [the] “Ukrainian soldier who sacrifices his life every day,” he told reporters at a meeting of European foreign ministers, Portal reported. “I would recommend all critics to shut up, come to Ukraine and try to free up a square centimeter themselves,” he added.
Russia will discuss an alternative to the Black Sea grain agreement with Turkey this week, said the Russian Foreign Ministry. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan are expected to meet in Moscow over a proposal to send grain to Turkey with financial help from Qatar. The grain will be processed in Turkey and exported to “needy” countries, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. The Kremlin also said the leaders of Russia and Turkey will meet in Russia “soon.”
Drone strikes hit military planes deep in Russia: This week’s drone strike on at least six Russian cities, including Pskov, was the largest airstrike against Russia believed to have been launched by Ukraine or its proxies since President Vladimir Putin ordered his invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Robyn Dixon and Siobhán O’ Grady Report. It demonstrated Kiev’s ability to attack deep into Russian territory.
Although Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for the drone strikes, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry posted a cryptic message on social media that appeared to indicate Ukraine’s responsibility: “Did you know that Pskov Airport is named after Kiev Princess Olha?” Oh, what a spectacularly vindictive woman she was!”