NATO is urging Greece to transfer Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine to strengthen its air defenses against Russia’s invasion. The potential deal, facilitated through intermediaries like France or Germany, aligns with NATO’s Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List, allowing Greece to replace donated jets with newer U.S. systems. A decision may be reached before the November NATO summit.
Tag: military aid
Australia has supplied Ukraine with M1A1 Abrams tanks as part of a A$245 million aid package to counter Russia’s invasion. Defense Minister Richard Marles confirmed most of the 49 tanks have been delivered, boosting Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
The U.S. is pressing Greece to transfer its Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, as reported by Kathimerini. Despite Greece’s reliance on these systems for its own defense, Washington and the EU argue that Ukraine’s needs are greater. With Kyiv facing a missile shortage and stalled U.S. aid, Greece navigates intense pressure to support Ukraine while safeguarding its national security.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had a second phone conversation within 10 days with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, ahead of an emergency summit on Ukraine. The discussion focused on the latest developments and the EU’s commitment to peace, with Greece reiterating its support for Ukraine. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a plan to bolster Europe’s defense industry with an 800 billion euro investment, facilitating immediate aid to Ukraine.
In a bold display of support for Ukraine, UK Prime Minister Starmer announced an additional $2 billion in military aid following the summit. This package, which includes air defense missiles, reflects a broader strategy to enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities. Starmer also revealed plans to meet with former President Donald Trump to discuss a potential peace plan, emphasizing that Russia will not be allowed to dictate terms. This commitment includes sending a UK military contingent to oversee the implementation of any peace agreements, marking a significant step in international efforts to ensure stability in the region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s invitation to a key EU summit signals Europe’s growing commitment to Ukraine amidst ongoing war with Russia. With increased military and financial aid on the table, and even a potential EU-led peace plan, the summit represents a crucial opportunity for Zelensky to secure long-term security guarantees, including possible NATO membership, particularly given concerns about a potential return of Donald Trump to the US presidency.
The United States has frozen foreign aid to most countries, including Ukraine, but exempted Israel and Egypt for emergency food and military funding. This move, following President Trump’s inauguration, reflects an “America First” approach and requires review of all new and existing aid programs. The freeze will significantly impact Ukraine, which relied heavily on US military aid under the Biden administration.
The United States has authorized the use of missiles with a range capable of striking targets within Russian territory, a move confirmed by EU High Representative Josep Borrell during a meeting of EU foreign ministers. This decision significantly raises the stakes in the ongoing conflict.
Former President Donald Trump has proposed an 800-mile demilitarized zone between Russia and Ukraine, patrolled by European troops, with Russia retaining its territorial gains and Ukraine pledging not to join NATO for 20 years. Ukrainian President Zelensky has condemned the plan as “suicidal for Europe.”
The M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles offered to Greece as military aid are proving to be more costly than initially anticipated. Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias revealed that the cost of repairing these vehicles is comparable to the price of manufacturing new ones
Greece is set to decommission 32 older F-16 Block-30 fighter jets and transfer them to Ukraine. Plans include upgrading 82 F-16s to Block-70 and acquiring 24 Rafale fighters from France. A U.S. congressional committee has also approved Greece’s request to purchase 40 F-35 jets. Some experts worry about the impact on Greece’s air force capacity. Meanwhile, Greece has already supplied Ukraine with significant military aid and is preparing additional support through strategic transport links
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called for increased and smarter defense spending among NATO allies, proposing a European-funded ‘Iron Dome’ system and highlighting the need for faster aid to Ukraine
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced that Greece will not be supplying air defence systems…
Greece, Ukraine, and Czechia face a Russian invasion threat and are seeking military aid, including ammunition, rockets, defense systems, and weapons. Negotiations are ongoing, and they have received support from European countries and the US. The G7 declaration also includes security guarantees.
The official letter from the State Department to Congress is a matter of hours -…
