Poland’s president meets Lockheed Martin CEO about further investment in military weapons
Poland’s president has met the CEO of U.S. manufacturer Lockheed Martin about strengthening security in the region and continued U.S. investment in Poland’s military weapons and equipment, the country’s National Security Bureau.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the bureau said the talks between President Andrzej Duda and Jim Taiclet included “securing the participation of Poland’s defense sector” in deliveries and maintenance of U.S. weapons such as jet fighters, Javelin missiles and elements of the High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).
Duda, who is the supreme commander of Poland’s armed forces, “emphasizes the importance of maintaining the continuity of investments in the modernization of the army” as an element of increasing the capabilities of the domestic industry, the bureau said.
Hungary could ratify Sweden’s NATO membership in February: PM Orban
The Hungarian parliament can ratify Sweden’s NATO membership when it convenes for its new session later this month, Prime Minister Viktor Orban has told his supporters.
Orban highlighted that he and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson had taken steps “to rebuild trust” between the two countries. But he did not say what those steps were.
Hungary is the only NATO country not yet to have ratified Sweden’s application, a process that requires the backing of all NATO members.
Czech gov’t plans to buy 24 F-35 stealth fighters in $6.5bn defense spend
The Czech government has approved a plan to buy 24 US-made F-35 advanced fighter jets in a deal valued at approximately $6.5bn, the largest defense contract ever signed by the Czech Republic.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala told reporters on Wednesday that the first of the supersonic stealth fighters would arrive by 2031 and the country’s military would have all 24 planes at its disposal by 2035.
“The first F-35s will be ready in 2029 and our pilots will start training with them in the United States then,” Fiala said.
Russia arrest dual US citizen for Ukraine linked ‘treason’
The woman, a 33-year-old resident of Los Angeles, is said to have collected money for a Ukrainian organization supporting the armed forces with tactical items and equipment.
She allegedly participated in public demonstrations in the U.S. supporting Ukraine, which has Western backing since Russia's invasion in February 2022.
Treason carries a punishment of up to 20 years in prison in Russia.
The arrest coincides with ongoing detentions of other U.S. nationals in Russia, including journalist Evan Gershkovich, whose appeal against pre-trial detention extension was recently rejected, and journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, charged with failing to register as a foreign agent and spreading false information about Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
Link - https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/20/russia-detains-dual-us-citizen-for-ukraine-linked-treason
Russia claims full control of Avdiivka, says Ukrainian troops still in town
Russia claims full control of Avdiivka, Ukraine, following Ukrainian troop withdrawal, marking Russia's biggest gain since capturing Bakhmut in May 2023.
The fall of Avdiivka comes almost two years after Putin's order for a full-scale war in Ukraine, with Russian troops advancing 8.6km in the 1,000km front line.
Putin congratulates Russian troops on the victory, while Ukraine withdraws soldiers to prevent encirclement after months of fierce fighting.
The capture of Avdiivka is significant for Russia's hold on Donetsk, boosting morale ahead of Putin's re-election bid next month.
Kazakh President’s Visit to Qatar Reflects Multi-Vector Policy, Fosters Ties Between Central Asia and Gulf Countries
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid a state visit to Qatar on Feb. 13-14, signaling a growing interest in bolstering ties between the two nations and resulting in the signing of commercial agreements worth nearly $18 billion.
This visit, which comes at a time of shifting geopolitical dynamics, particularly within the Gulf region, reflects Kazakhstan’s decades-long multivector and balanced foreign policy and also facilitates the bridge between Central Asia and the Gulf region.
As part of his packed visit, President Tokayev met with the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani.
Ukraine war: 'Artificial shortage' of weapons helps Putin, says Zelensky
more weapons to avoid a "catastrophic" situation in Europe.
An "artificial deficit of weapons" will only help Russia, Mr Zelensky told an international conference in Germany.
Ukrainian troops have been running out of ammunition as vital US support has been held up by supporters of former President Donald Trump in Congress.
Mr Zelensky said he was prepared to tour the front lines with Mr Trump.
Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68325022
EU launches Red Sea naval mission to protect shipping from Houthi attacks
The operation will send European warships and early warning systems to the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the decision to deploy Naval Force Operation Aspides on Monday on X, saying, “Europe will ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, working alongside our international partners.”
US Army says it could run out of funding to protect Europe and Africa without Ukraine's aid package
US Army officials told CNN it is at risk of running out of funds.
Funds from the Europe and Africa Army Command budget are being used to support Ukraine.
The Senate last week passed a $95 billion emergency defense-aid bill that could support Ukraine, Israel, and Tawain. An estimated $60 billion of that aid would be set aside for Ukraine if the bill is passed. However, it is expected to face pushback by Republicans, Business Insider previously reported.
Digital Europe Programme open to Moldova
Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton and Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Digitalisation Dumitru Alaiba have signed an association agreement for the Digital Europe Programme with Moldova.
Following the signatures, and upon the completion of the related ratification processes, the association agreement will enter into retroactive effect as of 1 January 2024. Businesses, public administrations and other eligible organisations in Moldova will be able to access the calls of the Digital Europe Programme, a programme with an overall budget of €7.5 billion in the 2021-2027 period.
News bits proofread by:
Afifa Iqbal (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)
Drafted by:
Aditi Mishra (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)
Jiah Malik (B.A. I.R. 1st Year)
Published by:
Alithia Clemency Paul (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)
