-
Rebel offensive in Syria gains ground as Russian military presence diminishes
Rebel forces have launched a swift offensive in northern Syria this week, coinciding with Russia's reduced military presence in the region following the redeployment of former Wagner Group fighters to Africa, reports the news outlet Agenstvo.
On November 27, Syrian armed groups commenced a large-scale attack on areas under government control. According to the American Institute for the Study of War, by Thursday, rebels had seized at least 19 villages. By Thursday evening, the rebels were just 1 …
-
South Korea denies Ukraine's arms request amid legal and geopolitical concerns
A Ukrainian delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov recently arrived in South Korea seeking to negotiate an arms deal, only to be turned down, reports the news outlet news comes SBS.
Reports indicate that Ukraine intended to purchase the weaponry, not to seek them as free aid. Kyiv's requests included Cheongung anti-aircraft missile systems, other air defense systems, tanks, artillery units, and ammunition. Umerov met with President Yoon Suk-yeol and Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun. …
-
The Netherlands delivers three Patriot systems to Ukraine
Ruben Brekelmans, the Dutch Defense Minister, has confirmed via a post on X that the Netherlands has provided Ukraine with three Patriot surface-to-air missile systems.
"With the persistent air raids, Ukrainians face a harsh winter ahead. That's why we have delivered three Patriot systems to them," Brekelmans stated, without specifying the exact timing of these deliveries.
Previously, in October, Brekelmans indicated that Amsterdam had shipped the first batch of F-16 fighter jets promised to …
-
Dutch Chief of Defense cautions against premature delivery of Swedish Gripen jets to Ukraine amid pilot shortages
Dutch Chief of Defense, General Onno Eichelsheim, has advised Western allies to be cautious in supplying Ukraine with "too many systems," citing a shortage of pilots in Ukraine's air force.
Sweden has shown willingness to send its JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine. However, several Western allies, including the Netherlands, deem this move premature. Eichelsheim suggests that Ukraine should prioritize mastering the already-delivered F-16s, according to Breaking Defense.
While Sweden …
-
Germany summons Russian ambassador over expulsion of ARD journalists
Russian Ambassador to Germany Sergey Nechaev has been called in by Germany's Foreign Ministry following Russia's expulsion of journalists from Germany's public broadcaster ARD. The news was reported by dpa and AFP on Thursday, November 28.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock conveyed strong disapproval, labeling the removal of ARD journalists from Russia as "unacceptable" and denouncing the justification provided by the Russian authorities as "simply false and a lie," as per AFP's report. …