Russian security forces found, but failed to detain, two Ukrainian girls who had previously poisoned 46 Russian servicemen in Simferopol and Bakhchisarai. In addition, the girls killed several FSB officers.
This was reported by Obozrevatel with reference to Russian Telegram channels.
The poisoning incident took place in December last year. And recently, the "saboteurs" were spotted in a private house in Yalta. However, the FSB failed to detain the Ukrainian women, even with the help of special forces.
"The saboteurs were heavily armed and well-trained. As soon as the special forces arrived to detain them, they opened fire. With pistols and automatic weapons. We only managed to make a few shots in response. The criminals fled the scene in a car. They left the car on the outskirts of Yalta. We don't know where the saboteurs are now," the channel quoted its source in the FSB as saying.
The girls are natives of the peninsula, one was born in Simferopol, the other in Saki. They are 22 and 25 years old. One of them is a participant in beauty contests, and the other is the daughter of an employee of the occupation city administration of Simferopol.
Over the past day, 42 military engagements took place. Moreover Ukrainian missile forces targeted a Russian command post and a warehouse, the General Staff reports.
In addition, during the day, Ukrainian aviation struck 7 areas where Russian troops were concentrated. Air defense forces also destroyed a Kh-59 guided missile.
Missile troops struck 2 areas of concentration of Russian personnel, weapons and military equipment, targeted a command post, an ammunition depot and an enemy electronic warfare (EW) station.
Ukrainian pilots are being trained on F-16 fighter jets under various programs in five countries. These are the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Poland, and Denmark. This was announced by First Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Lieutenant General Oleksandr Pavliuk.
He said that the young pilots are currently improving their professional level in the UK by conducting training flights in accordance with international procedures. They will then move on to retrain for F-16 aircraft. At the same time, experienced pilots are undergoing F-16 training in Denmark and the United States, along with ground staff.
There are also groups of Ukrainian pilots and aviation personnel in the UK, Canada, Poland, and the US who are improving their level of specialized aviation English to join the F-16 training program in the near future.
"I would like to note the efforts made by the partners within the Aviation Coalition to develop the combat capabilities of the aviation of the Air Force of Ukraine. Each country makes its own contribution. This includes not only guarantees of aircraft, but also assistance with ammunition and everything necessary for the effective defense of Ukrainian skies with F-16s," wrote Lieutenant General Pavliuk.
The lower house of the Italian parliament has voted in favor of a resolution to continue military support for Ukraine
It was decided: "to continue to support, in accordance with the commitments made and what will be agreed within NATO and the EU, as well as in international forums of which Italy is a member, the Ukrainian authorities, including through the delivery of military vehicles, materials and equipment."
Italy's Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto stressed that support for Ukraine will remain strong and absolutely unchanged.
"There is still a long way to go with Ukraine, but it would be a dramatic strategic and political mistake to take a step back now. Our support must continue until Russian attacks stop," the statement said.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has announced a €200 million long-term assistance package for Ukraine. This happened during the visit of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
During a joint press conference, Nausėda said that in January Lithuania would provide Ukraine with ammunition, generators and detonation systems. In February — M577 armored personnel carriers. In addition, the country will train Ukrainian soldiers and strengthen cooperation in the defense industry. Lithuania is also forming a coalition for demining.
Moreover, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between Lithuanian and Ukrainian defense companies and research institutions to create new products, particularly in the field of cybersecurity and communications.
The memorandum envisages the implementation of joint projects in the field of defense technology, including projects to develop and manufacture unmanned aerial and ground platforms, electronic warfare equipment, mine clearance equipment and other advanced defense technology solutions.
The European Union may fulfil its commitments to supply Ukraine with one million shells this spring. This was stated by European Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton.
"I have committed to increase the production of ammunition to 1 million per year. This will be done. If we said in March this year, it will be done in March. We have already increased production to produce 1 million rounds of 155 mm and 120 mm ammunition. But we also need member states to increase pressure on their defense industry so that everything we produce in Europe is in Ukraine," the official said.
He also called for the creation of an EU defense fund and increased arms production.
"I believe we have to have a huge defense fund to help to accelerate, even probably in the amount of €100 billion," Breton said.