Global Courant
Zelensky urges a ‘clear signal’ about NATO membership
Czech President Petr Pavel (2nd L) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) judge a military guard of honor in front of Prague Castle in Prague, Czech Republic, on July 6, 2023.
Milan Kammermayer | Afp | Getty Images
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on NATO to clearly signal that the country is on track to join the alliance, saying Kiev needed more assurances than a blanket statement that the door to NATO remains open.
His remarks come ahead of a two-day NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, next week. Zelenskyy seeks clear indication from the alliance that Ukraine can join the 30-member group when the war is over.
“We are talking about a clear signal, some concrete things towards an invitation,” Zelenskiy said at a press conference in Prague alongside Czech President Petr Pavel. Reuters reported that. “We need this motivation. We need honesty in our relationships.”
—Sam Meredith
The EU agrees to increase production of ammunition and missiles
The European Union reaches a tentative agreement to accelerate munitions and missile production in the region, in a move it says will benefit Ukraine and the bloc of 27 countries.
The EU presidency, currently held by Spain, said early Friday that member states and representatives of the EU parliament have agreed to “urgently” mobilize €500 million ($545 million) from their budget for a law to support ammunition production.
The deal must now be approved by the European Council and Parliament, with entry into force expected before the end of the month. It comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for more weapons from allies to help reduce the scale of Russia’s war.
“This is yet another proof of the EU’s unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine, strengthening the EU’s technological and industrial defense base and ultimately ensuring the long-term security and defense of EU citizens,” said the Spanish Secretary of Defense Margarita Robles in a statement.
—Sam Meredith
10 killed in Russian missile attack in western Ukraine
Cars lie destroyed or badly damaged next to a four-story residential building that was hit by a rocket attack on July 6, 2023 in Lviv, Ukraine.
Stanislav Ivanov | Getty Images News | Getty Images
A Russian missile strike on an apartment building in Lviv in western Ukraine has killed 10 people, according to Mayor Andriy Sadovyi.
The official said on Telegram on Friday that rescuers were now extricating the deceased from the rubble. “This completes the search and rescue operation,” he added, in comments translated by NBC.
—Sam Meredith
Zelenskyy calls for more weapons as a counter-offensive
Ukrainian soldier holds a Next Generation Light Anti-armour Weapon (NLAW) at the position not far from the frontline in the south of the Kharkiv region, on July 11, 2022, during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Anatolii Stepanov | Afp | Getty Images
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated calls for additional weapons as Kiev’s weeks-long counteroffensive slows down.
“It is important for Ukraine to receive the necessary weapons and ammunition in time for a successful counter-offensive and further relief of its territory, and it is in the interests of other states to help the Ukrainian army stop Russian aggression before it continues. in Europe,” Zelenskyy said, according to a readout from the Ukrainian government.
“If Russia goes further, your weapons will not be enough,” the Ukrainian leader added, referring to the gains made by the Russian armed forces.
— Amanda Macias
Incarcerated WSJ reporter enters 100th day in Russian prison
American journalist Evan Gershkovich (REAR), arrested on espionage charges, watches as he stands in a defendant’s cage for a hearing on an appeal against his extended detention at the Moscow City Court in Moscow on June 22, 2023.
Natalia Kolesnikova | AFP | Getty Images
Friday marks the 100th day since Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was arrested on charges of espionage in Russia. Gershkovich is being held in Moscow’s Lefortovo Prison.
The Wall Street Journal and the Biden administration have denied Russian allegations that Gershkovich was acting as a spy on behalf of the US government.
Earlier this week, the US granted consular access to Gershkovich for the second time since his arrest in March.
— Amanda Macias
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