Almost 60% of the Zaporizhzhia oblast is occupied by Russian troops. The UK will provide Ukraine with rocket launchers with a range of 80 kilometers to counter the Russian offensive
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7:47
German companies against immediate Russian gas embargo
The president of the Confederation of German Employers’ Associations has warned the German government against imposing an immediate embargo on Russian gas, warning that the German economy is not prepared for such a move. Rainer Dulger joined Georg Knill, president of the Federation of Austrian Industry, in warning that a hasty ban on all Russian gas imports could result in higher prices, a downturn in the manufacturing sector and a halt to production. The EU has so far agreed on an embargo on Russian coal imports and a partial embargo on Russian oil imports – but, for now, no gas embargo. A gas embargo would only end up weakening the German and Austrian economies, the two industry leaders argued, adding that a gas embargo could impact employment levels and even finances “with which we meet our international obligations” . Arguing that both Germany and Austria want to remain strong partners in the international community, the two stressed that: “For this we need a strong economy and stable labor markets. The Russian political leadership must realize that this war has consequences, including in the economic and financial sector. The costs to the Russian economy must and will be high, ”the couple said in a statement, adding that any new sanctions should harm the Russian economy more than the domestic one.
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7:36
British rocket launchers will also have a range of 80 km
The UK will provide Ukraine with rocket launchers with a range of 80 kilometers to counter the Russian offensive. This was confirmed today by the British Ministry of Defense. These multiple rocket launcher systems, the M270 Mlrs, “will significantly increase the capabilities of the Ukrainian forces,” the ministry said in a statement. This decision was made in “close coordination” with the United States, which announced last week the supply of Himars systems with a range of 80 kilometers. The Ukrainians have long requested more rocket launchers that would allow them to strike deep into Russian positions by placing batteries further away from the front. Concerned that the United States could be considered a co-belligerent, US President Joe Biden has ruled out, however, the supply of long-range missile launch systems to Ukraine that could reach Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned yesterday that Moscow will strike new targets if the West supplies long-range missiles, saying current arms deliveries to Kiev are aimed at “prolonging the conflict”. “If the international community keeps its support, Ukraine can win,” said British Defense Minister Ben Wallace. “Russia’s strategy is changing and our support must also change”, added Wallace, stressing that these new weapons will allow Ukrainians “to better protect themselves from the brutal use of long-range artillery that Putin’s forces have used indiscriminately to raze cities to the ground “. To date, UK military support for Ukraine amounts to over £ 750 million (€ 874 million).
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7:12
Zelensky also visits the front in Lysichansk in Lugansk
After Zaporizhzhia, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi also visited the command posts and advanced positions of Ukrainian troops in the Bakhmut and Lysychansk districts of Lugansk. The website of the head of state reports it, as reported by UNIAN. During the visit, the Ukrainian president heard information on the operational situation in these parts of the front, as well as a report on logistics. Zelensky also spoke to the Ukrainian army and handed them state awards.