Victorious news of 785th day of war: Ukraine has drones able to hit targets in Siberia, Germany will supply more air defense systems

Ukraine produces drones with 3,000 km range

Ukraine has super drones that can reach targets even in Siberia. The Economist reported the information.

According to the outlet, Ukraine has invested millions of dollars in the production of long-range drones. Currently, half a dozen companies produce such drones. The best of the new models has a range of 3,000 kilometers and can reach Siberia. The production of such drones is a necessity, as Western partners are reluctant to provide weapons to Ukraine. These drones have played a significant role in targeting a large portion of Russia's oil and military industries.

Denmark will be first country to buy Ukraine-produced weapons for Ukraine's army

Denmark has decided on a new aid package for Ukraine, which includes $28.5 million (DKK 200 million) for the purchase of weapons and military equipment for the AFU from Ukrainian manufacturers. This was announced by Minister of Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshyn.

"This is the first such decision — I believe it is the first of many. And this is what we have been asking our partners for in recent months," the minister said. 

According to Kamyshyn, the Ukrainian defense industry has already accelerated so much that the Ukrainian budget cannot fully load manufacturers with orders. 

"The capacity of the Ukrainian defense industry is about $20 billion. At the same time, Ukraine has only $6 billion to buy weapons. Roughly speaking, we have only a third of all the machine tools available in the country in operation because we don't have enough money to provide orders for the rest," explains Kamyshin. "The best way out of this situation is to convince our partners who are ready to buy weapons for Ukraine to do so here. Ukrainian arms makers are capable of producing much more weapons, exactly the weapons our military needs." 

He stressed that the funding will be provided through the fundraising platform ZBROYARI: Manufacturing Freedom. Its goal is to raise $10 billion this year to produce weapons for Ukrainian defenders. 

Ukraine to receive another German air defense system Iris-T

Diehl Defense's executive director, Helmut Rauch, announced on April 18 the upcoming supply of an additional Iris-T air defense system to Ukraine during his visit to Kyiv, Bild reports.

Rauch, along with German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, arrived in Kyiv today, signaling Germany's commitment to providing long-term support to Ukraine.

"We already have three systems in Ukraine, and more will be delivered this year. The next one will arrive in just a few weeks," Mr. Rauch said. 

Ukrainian drones cut Russian diesel exports by a quarter

After drone attacks on Russian refineries, the country's diesel exports continue to fall, with a drop of about a quarter, Bloomberg reports. 

According to the data of the analytical company Kpler, Russia's supplies averaged 0.74 million barrels per day for the period of 10 days to April 13. This is about 25% less compared to the average for the same time of year between 2019 and 2023.

The article emphasizes that the rate of oil refining in Russia has fallen to an 11-month low. In this regard, there is a possibility of redirecting all the crude oil that refineries are unable to process to the export market.

Slovaks start raising money for shells for Ukraine

Slovaks do not endorse their government's stance on the war in Ukraine, as it did not align with the Czech initiative to procure ammunition. They are independently raising funds for this purpose. LRT reported the information.

It noted that more than 20 countries have joined the Czech initiative to purchase ammunition for Ukraine, but the Slovak government did not participate in the campaign, stating that the conflict "has no military solution," and sending weapons to Ukraine "will only prolong the war."

Therefore, the Slovaks decided to help Ukraine on their own. Over EUR 700,000 were reportedly raised in two days.

"We cannot accept the fact that our government refuses to help our neighbor. Let's prove that Slovakia is not a coward and is on the right side of history by providing public funding for ammunition. Let's help Ukraine, despite our pro-Russian government," the organizers of the campaign say.