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membership. It is noted that one of the three objectives of the proposal to the European Defense Investment Program (EDIP) is a step that "will contribute to the restoration, reconstruction, and modernization of the Ukrainian defense technological and industrial base and progressive integration into Europe, thereby contributing to mutual stability, security, peace, prosperity, and stability." For this, Ukraine must be a full member of any consortium for joint procurement of military equipment with other EU member states, have access to EU funds, and be exempt from paying VAT in case of joint ownership. Previous defense-industrial programs adopted in the EU never considered any third country as a full participant in the schemes, with the exception of Norway. The document also provides a separate budget for the Ukrainian defense-industrial complex of at least €1.5B.
Moscow dismisses ICC arrest warrants for Russian military commanders. Lieutenant General Sergei Kobylash and Admiral Viktor Sokolov "are each allegedly responsible" for a number of war crimes, including "directing attacks at civilian objects," the ICC said.
- US
Russia summons US ambassador, threatens diplomats with expulsion. The Russian Foreign Ministry announced on March 7 that it had summoned U.S. Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy, and warned against "attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of the Russian Federation," ahead of Russia's presidential election.
Biden: We will not walk away from Ukraine. Congress needs to stand up to Vladimir Putin, President Joe Biden said during the annual State of the Union address on March 7. "I say this to Congress," Biden announced. "We have to stand up to Putin. Send me a bipartisan natural security bill. History is watching.”
- Germany
"British soldiers helping fire Ukrainian missiles, Olaf Scholz reveals. German chancellor criticised for ‘flagrant abuse of intelligence’ that could endanger UK personnel on the ground and help the Russians. Germany was accused of a “flagrant abuse of intelligence” after revealing that British soldiers are supporting Ukrainian forces launching long-range Storm Shadow missiles..."
- Other EU
Tensions between Berlin and Paris spilled into the open on March 5 as German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius hit back at President Emmanuel Macron for urging Europe not to be "cowards" in the defense of Ukraine. Macron delivered his acerbic remarks in Prague, where he also stood square behind his hawkish counsel from last week that the West should not rule out sending forces to support Kyiv against Russia's invading troops. Speaking at a
47 RUSSIA Country Report April 2024 www.intellinews.com