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The US has named the priority weapon for future aid to Ukraine and plans to focus on developing the Ukrainian defence industry. The representative of the National Security Council of the White House, John Kirby, called the strengthening of Ukraine's air defence a priority in the future military aid that Washington is ready to provide to Kyiv. He pointed out that the most effective response to the Russian aggression against the Ukrainian people is to continue supplying Kyiv with vital air defence and other types of military equipment. "To accomplish this, the US Congress must approve our request for additional funding for Ukraine without delay," he added. At the same time, as State Department spokesman Matthew Miller stated, the US will not support Ukraine's military funding at the level of 2022-2023 because it seeks to help Ukraine develop its military-industrial base to finance, produce, and purchase weapons independently. "But we are not yet on this path, and that is why it is so important that Congress passes a bill on additional funding because Ukraine cannot defend itself yet, relying only on its own forces," he emphasized.
Denmark will transfer 19 F-16 fighters to Ukraine in the second quarter of 2024. Ukrainian pilots will have completed their training by this time, writes Berlingske. In addition, Denmark, Belgium, Norway, and the Netherlands have promised to transfer F-16 fighters to Ukraine.
According to PM Shmyhal, increasing Ukraine’s military production will be a key task in the current year. "In 2023, the production capacity of the Ukrainian defence industry increased by 200%, and the new goal for 2024 is a 500% increase,” he said. This means more drones, more shells, more ammunition, and armored vehicles for Ukraine’s military.
Germany sends Skynex air defence system, other military aid to Ukraine. Germany handed over a Skynex air defence system, 10 Marder armored vehicles, ammunition for Leopard tanks, and other aid in its latest delivery to Ukraine, the German government announced on Jan. 4.
Belgium to send F-16 fighter jets to Denmark for Ukrainian pilots training. The training program will include instruction for Ukrainian pilots, technicians, and mission planners.
France considers the transfer of weapons production to Ukraine a priority task. French Ambassador to Ukraine, Gaël Veyssière, stated: "French support to Ukraine will gradually change its character, as the goal is to produce more weapons in Ukraine, not just donations or purchases." Giving his assurance that Paris' support for Kyiv in the supply of military equipment will continue, he added that it takes some time to transition from one strategy to another. "Moreover, this vision is supported at the political level, particularly by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna, who regularly visits Ukraine," Veyssière noted. The ambassador discussed whether French President Emmanuel Macron plans to visit his colleague Volodymyr Zelenskyy: "We are working on the sixth visit of Catherine Colonna, which will take place in the coming days. However, we are also working on other visits. The most important thing is showing France's closeness and solidarity daily."
NATO agrees on deal to buy 1,000 Patriot missiles for coalition members. NATO's Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) announced a deal on Jan. 3 for the purchase of 1,000 Patriot air defence missiles for coalition members,
31 UKRAINE Country Report February 2024 www.intellinews.com