Latest news with #IRIS-T
Russia Today
6 days ago
- Politics
- Russia Today
Russian missiles strike Ukrainian HQ – MOD (VIDEO)
Russian forces have targeted a Ukrainian military headquarters with Iskander ballistic missiles, the Defense Ministry reported Monday. The facility housed officers overseeing the operative task force Lugansk, the ministry claimed. The attack on the alleged command and control site in Druzhkovka, a town under Kiev's control in Russia's Donetsk People's Republic, was reportedly filmed by a drone. Video released by the ministry shows two projectiles hitting a large industrial building, apparently part of a Soviet-era machine factory. The town lies about 30 kilometers northwest of Dzerzhinsk, also known as Toretsk, which previously played a key role in Ukrainian operations before being liberated by Russian forces in February. The ministry did not specify when the strike occurred. However, the same footage first appeared Saturday on a Telegram channel that covers the Ukraine Iskander missile system is designed to destroy high-value targets at ranges of up to 500 km. It can carry a 480-kg payload and offers various warhead options depending on the mission. Traveling at speeds of around Mach 6, it is difficult to intercept and is suited for time-sensitive operations. Russia's Defense Ministry recently reported using Iskander missiles to target a German-supplied IRIS-T anti-missile system, a field military camp and an airfield reportedly used to launch kamikaze drones into Russian territory.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
German defense chief pledges $10 billion in Ukraine aid for 2025
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Germany is on track to give €9 billion ($10.4 billion) in aid to Ukraine in 2025, maintaining the country's position as one of Kyiv's key backers. The amount was announced by Berlin's defense minister, Boris Pistorius, during his visit to Ukraine on June 12. It marks the fifth time that Pistorius has visited Kyiv since the outbreak of the war when Russia invaded its neighbor in February 2022. Some of the forthcoming assistance will take the form of joint ventures between the German and Ukrainian military-industrial complexes, an idea that was presented earlier this year and has been pushed by Germany's new conservative leadership. Joint defense production projects are in line to get €1.9 billion ($2.2 billion) of the overall funding. Part of the amount will be dedicated to financing long-range weapon systems that will be manufactured in Ukraine. Under the arrangement, Germany will provide funding while Ukraine will contribute its battlefield-tested technological know-how. 'The first systems should be available in the next few months,' Pistorius said during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, who in turn said that the joint venture was an expression of deep trust in Berlin. Pistorius noted that 'the picture of war has changed' from traditional tanks and jets to electromagnetic warfare and drone combat, making this technological exchange valuable for both countries. The Social Democratic defense minister, who has often been at odds with his own party, has pushed forcefully for German rearmament and a more prominent military posture on the world stage. Also in Kyiv, Pistorius addressed a longstanding elephant in the room by saying that Germany was not planning to transfer its Taurus cruise missiles, widely considered one of the most advanced available, to Kyiv. 'Since you asked me whether we are considering this, my answer is no,' Pistorius told a journalist. The government of Chancellor Friedrich Merz had previously maintained a purposely ambiguous posture on the matter. However, Germany will deliver more IRIS-T air defense systems to Ukraine. Zelenskyy stated that the assistance would be provided under a three-year plan, but said he would not provide further details. The Ukrainian president did, however, let slip that he expects Ukraine to localize the production of 'very high-quality' German air defense systems, which may suggest a plan to produce the systems inside the country. Currently, IRIS-T air defense systems are made in Germany. The supply plan builds on substantial existing contracts. In May, Ukraine and Germany signed a €2.2 billion ($2.54 billion) contract for IRIS-T systems and missiles, covering four complete surface-launched units with mobile launchers, radars, command centers, and missiles. Air defense has been identified as one of the key priorities for Ukraine in light of relentless Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities using cruise missiles and drones. Germany's total aid in support of Ukraine amounts to €48 billion ($55.5 billion) since the start of the war, as of April 30, the government said in response to a parliamentary inquiry. Of that, €15.6 billion ($18 billion) was military assistance. Germany remains the largest supporter of Ukraine aside from the United States. Under Merz's chancellorship, Berlin has stopped releasing detailed tallies of its military support to Kyiv, citing operational security.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian forces 'gradually pushing back' Russian troops from Sumy Oblast, Zelensky says
Key developments on June 12: Ukrainian forces 'gradually pushing back' Russian troops from Sumy Oblast, Zelensky says Germany to supply new Iris-T air defense systems to Ukraine, rules out Taurus missiles Ukraine, Russia carry out another exchange of POWs under Istanbul deal 'Juicy target' — Ukraine says it struck Russian electronics plant in Moscow Oblast For first time since invasion of Ukraine, US congratulates Russia on National Day Ukrainian forces are gradually driving Russian troops back from parts of Sumy Oblast, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on June 12, amid escalating cross-border assaults in the region. "Today, there was a report from Commander-in-Chief (Oleksandr) Syrskyi — the front and, above all, the Pokrovsk direction, the Kursk operation, the border area of Sumy Oblast," Zelensky said in a video address. "Our units in Sumy Oblast are gradually pushing back the occupiers. Thank you to each of our soldiers, sergeants, and officers for this result." The statement follows weeks of intensified Russian offensives along the northeastern border. Russian troops have advanced into Sumy Oblast since Ukraine's withdrawal from most of its positions in Russia's Kursk Oblast in March. Russia has reportedly taken control of about 200 square kilometers (80 square miles) in northern Sumy Oblast, including roughly a dozen small villages. As of May 31, mandatory evacuations were ordered for 213 settlements. In May, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his military to create a so-called "security buffer zone" along the border with Ukraine, while Zelensky said on May 28 that Moscow had massed 50,000 troops near Sumy. In a separate interview with Bild on June 12, Zelensky dismissed Moscow's claims of significant territorial gains as "a Russian narrative" aimed at shaping global perceptions. He stressed that Ukrainian forces have managed to hold off a renewed offensive for nearly three weeks. Sumy Oblast, which shares a long border with Russia, has been under near-constant attack since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022. On June 3, Russian strikes on the city of Sumy killed six people and injured 28 others, including children. Read also: As Russian losses in Ukraine hit 1 million, Putin's war economy heads toward breaking point Germany will deliver new IRIS-T air defense systems to Ukraine under a three-year supply plan, President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a joint press conference with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who added Berlin has no plans to provide Taurus long-range missiles. The announcement comes amid escalating Russian aerial assaults, including a June 10 missile and drone strike on Kyiv, one of the largest since the start of the full-scale invasion. "We are grateful for the supply of IRIS-T air defense systems," Zelensky said on June 12. "We understand that deliveries are currently being planned... for the next three years. This is very important assistance." The IRIS-T is a German-made medium-range surface-to-air missile system capable of intercepting drones, aircraft, and cruise missiles. Since first being delivered to Ukraine in late 2022, the system has at been at the core of the country's transition to Western-made high-end air defense systems. Pistorius confirmed the delivery timeline but firmly ruled out the possibility of sending Taurus missiles — weapons Kyiv has repeatedly requested to strike deep into Russian territory. "You asked me whether we are considering this, and my answer is no," Pistorius said. Before taking office, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz signaled openness to lifting former Chancellor Olaf Scholz's ban on the missiles. That stance has not yet resulted in a policy shift. Ukraine has already received long-range missiles — including ATACMS from the U.S. and Storm Shadow and SCALP from the U.K. and France. Initially restricted to use within Ukrainian territory, Western allies only began easing those limitations in late 2024. Germany is Ukraine's largest military donor in Europe. Zelensky said that Berlin will provide 7 billion euros ($8.1 billion) in aid this year, with investments in defense production being considered. "Today, we discussed that this aid will continue," he said. "We agreed on additional investments in production... both in Ukraine and in Germany." Zelensky visited Berlin on May 28 for talks with Merz, part of an ongoing effort to bolster Ukraine's defense industry amid uncertainty over U.S. support under President Donald Trump. Read also: Why can't the West match Russia's ammunition production? Ukraine has brought home another group of service members from Russian captivity, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on June 12, saying the latest exchange focused on "severely wounded and seriously ill warriors." The prisoners of war (POWs) were released as part of a prisoner exchange with Russia agreed upon during recent peace talks in Istanbul, Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of the POWs said. The June 12 release follows a similar exchange on June 10, which also prioritized severely injured and ill captives. As during the previous swap, the number of personnel released was not immediately disclosed. Russia's Defense Ministry has also announced that its soldiers had been released from Ukrainian captivity as part of the swap, without disclosing their numbers. Some of the POWs had been held by Russia for more than three years, according to the headquarters. Many of the released defenders had been classified as missing in action. "This is part of a major exchange that continues in phases," the headquarters said in a statement. "These soldiers require urgent medical care and will receive full assistance, including psychological rehabilitation and financial compensation for their time in captivity." Soldiers from multiple Ukrainian military branches, including the Armed Forces, Air Assault Forces, Navy, Air Force, Territorial Defense Forces, National Guard, Border Guard Service, and the State Special Transport Service, were freed in the exchange. Many had served in combat operations across Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts. The Istanbul deal was reached during a second round of direct talks between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations on June 2. While no political breakthrough was achieved, both sides agreed to a phased exchange of prisoners and the repatriation of fallen soldiers' remains. As part of that agreement, Russia pledged to return the bodies of up to 6,000 Ukrainian service members. Ukraine has brought back the bodies of 1,212 fallen service members on June 11. Vladimir Medinsky, aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, claimed Ukraine released the remains of 27 Russian service members, while Kyiv did not confirm this. The recent prisoner swap comes weeks after the largest such exchange of the war to date, which took place between May 23 and 25, with each side releasing 1,000 captives. Since Russia's full-scale invasion began, more than 5,000 Ukrainian POWs have been returned home, according to official figures. Ukraine continues to push for an "all-for-all" formula to bring every captured Ukrainian soldier back, but Moscow has so far rejected such a comprehensive agreement. Meanwhile, the Coordination Headquarters said preparations are underway for the next phase of exchanges in the coming weeks. Read also: Ukraine, Russia conduct second prisoner swap under Istanbul deal Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces attacked the Rezonit Technopark in Russia's Moscow Oblast overnight on June 12, with explosions reported at the facility, the Ukrainian military said. The operation was designed to "reduce Russia's ability to produce high-tech weapons and equipment," as the facility assembles circuit boards and electronics for the Russian military-industrial complex, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces said. The consequences of the attack are being clarified, according to the statement. "The Rezonit plant in the Zubovo technopark... is a juicy target, located roughly 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Moscow's center," Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council official Andrii Kovalenko said. According to Kovalenko, the circuit boards manufactured at Rezonit are used for flight control and navigation in Iskander, Kalibr, and Kh-101 missiles, as well as Orlan and Lancet drones and other systems. 0:00 / 1× Ukrainian Telegram channel Supernova+ published alleged footage of an explosion in Zubovo, with drones audible in the background. The strike tore a hole in the plant's roof, the channel wrote. Russia's Defense Ministry claimed its forces shot down 52 Ukrainian drones overnight, including three over Moscow Oblast. Russian officials have not yet commented on a possible attack against the technopark. Zubovo is located around 500 kilometers (300 miles) north of the Russia-Ukraine border. Ukraine has repeatedly deployed long-range drones to target Russian military and industrial facilities deep in the rear, aiming to disrupt Moscow's ability to wage its all-out war. In one of the most daring operations, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) attacked four Russian air bases on June 1, allegedly hitting 41 Russian bombers and other aircraft. Read also: 'They are not so successful' — Zelensky rejects claims of major Russian advances U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated the Russian people on June 12, Russia's National Day, and expressed a desire for "constructive engagement" to bring peace to Ukraine. "On behalf of the American people, I want to congratulate the Russian people on Russia Day," Rubio said in a statement published on the State Department's website. "The United States remains committed to supporting the Russian people as they continue to build on their aspirations for a brighter future." After taking office in January, the new U.S. administration took a sharp break from ex-President Joe Biden's policy on Ukraine and Russia. U.S. President Donald Trump's team has sought to broker a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow while being reluctant to commit additional funds or military aid to the besieged country. "It is our hope that peace will foster more mutually beneficial relations between our countries," Rubio said. Washington has also signaled an intent to restore ties with Moscow, with both sides discussing venues for possible economic cooperation. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha later said that he found it "unpleasant" to read the congratulations from "some countries" on Russia Day. "As the minister of a country at war, I found it particularly unpleasant this morning to read the public congratulations from some countries to the Russian aggressor," European Pravda quoted him as saying. The minister also added that he "has the moral right to say this" and further noted that "there can be no reward for the aggressor country." While the Biden administration imposed massive sanctions on Russia and sought to isolate Russian President Vladimir Putin on the international stage, Trump has often boasted about his close ties with the Russian leader and refused to impose additional economic restrictions. Russia Day, also known as the Day of Adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, has been celebrated annually on June 12 since 1992. The day commemorates the declaration of Russia's state sovereignty from the Soviet Union, marking the start of a constitutional reform that eventually led to the breakdown of the USSR. Ukraine War Latest is put together by the Kyiv Independent news desk team, who keep you informed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you value our work and want to ensure we have the resources to continue, join the Kyiv Independent community. We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Germany to supply new Iris-T air defense systems to Ukraine, rules out Taurus missiles
Germany will deliver new IRIS-T air defense systems to Ukraine under a three-year supply plan, President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a joint press conference with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who added Berlin has no plans to provide Taurus long-range missiles. The announcement comes amid escalating Russian aerial assaults, including a June 10 missile and drone strike on Kyiv, one of the largest since the start of the full-scale invasion. "We are grateful for the supply of IRIS-T air defense systems," Zelensky said on June 12. "We understand that deliveries are currently being planned... for the next three years. This is very important assistance." The IRIS-T is a German-made medium-range surface-to-air missile system capable of intercepting drones, aircraft, and cruise missiles. Pistorius confirmed the delivery timeline but firmly ruled out the possibility of sending Taurus missiles — weapons Kyiv has repeatedly requested to strike deep into Russian territory. "You asked me whether we are considering this, and my answer is no," Pistorius said. Before taking office, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz signaled openness to lifting former Chancellor Olaf Scholz's ban on the missiles. That stance has not yet resulted in a policy shift. Ukraine has already received long-range missiles — including ATACMS from the U.S. and Storm Shadow and SCALP from the U.K. and France. Initially restricted to use within Ukrainian territory, Western allies only began easing those limitations in late 2024. Germany is Ukraine's largest military donor in Europe. Zelensky said that Berlin will provide 7 billion euros ($8.1 billion) in aid this year, with investments in defense production being considered. "Today, we discussed that this aid will continue," he said. "We agreed on additional investments in production... both in Ukraine and in Germany." Zelensky visited Berlin on May 28 for talks with Merz, part of an ongoing effort to bolster Ukraine's defense industry amid uncertainty over U.S. support under President Donald Trump. Read also: Why can't the West match Russia's ammunition production? We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Zelenskyy announces three-year plan for IRIS-T deliveries from Germany
Ukraine and Germany have agreed on a joint plan to supply Kyiv with IRIS-T air defence systems over the next three years. Source: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a briefing following a meeting with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, as reported by Interfax-Ukraine Quote: "We are also grateful for the supply of IRIS-T air defence systems. We now understand the delivery plan – I won't go into all the details. But it's a plan for the next three years, and this is very important support for us regardless." Details: Zelenskyy stressed that the plan does not imply the war will last that long, but Ukraine requires air defence systems to protect its civilians. He also noted that Ukraine expects to localise the production of these "very high-quality" German air defence systems. Background: In May, Ukraine signed agreements with German company Diehl Defence for the production of IRIS-T systems and missiles for Ukrainian use. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
