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☆ Prisoners in Ukraine to be granted parole for military service
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Radina Gigova | Olga Voitovych | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Some Ukrainian prisoners will be able to apply for early parole and join the army under a new law aimed at boosting Kyiv’s manpower in its fight against the Russian invasion. The new law requires that convicts join the military of their own free will. Those who leave the military before their contract is up face additional prison terms of between five and 10 years. Shuliak said those released on parole to serve would have the status of “military personnel,” and therefore be subject to the same restrictions governing their behaviour. Contracts can be terminated in some circumstances, such as ill health or if the former prisoner commits a new crime.

Persons: Volodymyr Zelensky, Kostiantyn, ”, Olena Shuliak, Shuliak Organizations: CNN, Russian, Verkhovna Rada, Organization of State Power, Self, Government, Regional, Urban, National Guard Locations: Russian, Ukraine, Russia

About 100 wives, mothers, children and relatives of Ukrainian soldiers attended a demonstration in the capital, Kyiv. Even so, U.S. officials say that Russian forces are experiencing morale problems as another winter campaign looms. The latest hot spot draining resources is Avdiivka, a city in the eastern Donetsk region that Russian forces partially occupy. The Washington-based think tank noted that Ukrainian military officials said that around 5,000 Russian soldiers have been killed and wounded, and 400 armored vehicles lost in the area since Oct. 10. Satellite images show the Russian military lost at least 109 military vehicles, mostly armored fighting vehicles and tanks, near Avdiivika between Oct. 10 and 20, the institute said.

Persons: “ Demobilize, ”, “, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Rishi Sunak, ” Zelenskyy, Joe Biden, Mike Johnson, Biden, Viktor Orbán, Vladimir Putin, Robert Fico, videoconference, Zelenskyy, Putin, Boris Pistorius, Hanna Arhirova, Geir Moulson Organizations: Russia, Verkhovna Rada, ” Protesters, Institute for, Kyiv, ”, European Union, Ukraine, Slovak, IRIS, Defense Ministry, Associated Press Locations: KYIV, Ukraine, Ukraine's, Kyiv, Russia, U.S, Donetsk, Avdiivka, Russian, Washington, Avdiivika, Ukrainian, Moscow, North Korea, Iran, ” Ukraine, Hungarian, Brussels, Germany, Israel, Berlin, russia, ukraine

☆ The Ukrainian draft dodgers who don't want to go to war against Russia
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-15 | by ( Rebecca Rommen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

Ukrainian men cannot leave the country under martial law and face being drafted into war service. He told Insider he's desperate to leave Ukraine to escape being drafted and had already attempted one escape. Bohdan's unit suffered significant casualties while stationed near Svatove and the Serebryansky forest, he told Insider, and he was one of the few who survived without injuries. "Young men at a checkpoint near the border told me not to bother trying," Artem told Insider. 80,000 Ukrainian men have crossed over to PolandA Ukrainian soldier who lost her leg in the fighting near Kherson.

Persons: —, Artem, Bohdan, didn't, he's, — it's, hasn't, Ukrainska, Anna Michalska, Odesa, Borysov, Costa, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Mytkalyk, Bolhan, Euronews Organizations: Service, National Guard of, AP, Verkhovna Rada, Ukrainska Pravda, The New York Times, Armed Forces, Poland's Border Guard, Polish Border Guard, Kyiv Post, Business, New York Times, The, Kyiv Independent, Times, Getty, Kyiv International Institute of Sociology Locations: Ukraine, Kyiv, National Guard of Ukraine, Svatove, Bohdan, Romania, Belgium, Hungary, Montenegro, Moldova, Poland, Ukrainian, Kherson, Verkhovna, Ukraine's, Polish, Marbella, Costa del Sol, London, Russia, Warsaw

☆ Zelenskyy and his spy chief grabbed a photo with what looks like the Mi-8 helicopter a Russian pilot secretly flew to Ukraine in a daring defection
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-08 | by ( Sarah Gray | Erin Snodgrass | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posed with Ukrainian spy chief Kyrylo Budanov in front of a Mi-8 helicopter. The Mi-8 helicopter appears to be the one a Russian pilot flew to Ukraine in a daring defection. The helicopter in question appears to be the one flown by a Russian pilot into Ukraine in a daring defection carried out on August 9, 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Watch: Female spy ring working for Russia busted in UkraineMi-8 helicopter from Ukrainian video of the defection of the Russian pilot. Defense Intelligence of UkraineKuzminov reached out to Ukraine's Defense Intelligence at the end of 2022, The Wall Street Journal reported, and the plan was then put into motion.

Persons: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Kyrylo Budanov, Kyrylo, Maksym, Kuzminov, Ukraine Kuzminov Organizations: Service, Ukraine's Defense, Ukraine's Defense Intelligence, of Military Intelligence, . Defense Intelligence, Defense Intelligence, Street Journal, Ukrainian, Verkhovna Rada Locations: Russian, Ukraine, Wall, Silicon, Russia, Russia's, Verkhovna, Ukrainian

☆ The Russian pilot who defected to Ukraine with a Mi-8 helicopter said he flew 32 feet above the ground to avoid being seen and turned off his transponder, per the WSJ
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-06 | by ( Sarah Gray | Erin Snodgrass | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Russian pilot Maksym Kuzminov defected to Ukraine with a Mi-8 AMTSh helicopter last month. Kuzminov described how he crossed into Ukraine in a video shared by Ukraine's Defense Intelligence. He flew 32 feet above the ground with his transponder off to avoid being spotted, The Wall Street Journal reported. The defection was first made public in late August, but additional details about the Russian pilot who flew a Mi-8 helicopter to Ukraine were released by Ukraine's Defense Intelligence in a video posted on Sunday. Kuzminov communicated with Ukrainian defense officials via the encrypted messaging app Telegram and came up with a plan to fly the stolen Russian helicopter into Ukraine.

Persons: Maksym Kuzminov, Kuzminov, Kyrylo Budanov, Andrii Yusova Organizations: Ukraine's Defense Intelligence, Street Journal, Service, Wall Street, Radio Free Europe, Ukrainian, Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's Military Intelligence, Kyiv Independent Locations: Ukraine, Wall, Silicon, Russia, Russia's, Ukrainian, Kuzminov, Verkhovna, Kyiv

☆ The Russian pilot who defected to Ukraine with a Mi-8 helicopter is encouraging other Russians to do the same, promising they'll be taken care of for life
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-04 | by ( Erin Snodgrass | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The Russian pilot who defected to Ukraine with a Mi-8 helicopter spoke publicly for the first time. The Ukrainian defense agency identified the pilot as Maksym Kuzminov, a 28-year-old former captain in Russia's 319th separate helicopter regiment. The defense intelligence on Sunday published a documentary on YouTube called "Downed Russian Pilots" that details the defection plot. The pilot said he coordinated with Ukrainian military intelligence, which was able to create the circumstances for his safe defection. "What is happening now is simply genocide of the Ukrainian people: both Ukrainian and Russian," Kuzminov said.

Persons: Maksym Kuzminov, Kuzminov, Vladimir Putin's Organizations: Ukraine's Defense Intelligence, Service, Russian Telegram, Eastern Military District, YouTube, Russian Pilots, Ukrainian, Verkhovna Rada, Russian, CNN, Ukrainian Rada, Radio Free, Radio Liberty Locations: Russian, Ukraine, Wall, Silicon, Ukrainian, Russia, Russia's, Verkhovna, Kharkiv, Radio Free Europe

☆ Ukraine's Zelenskiy moves to replace wartime defence minister
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov attend a meeting with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine February 7, 2023. Press Service of the Defence Ministry of Ukraine/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsKYIV, Sept 3 (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday he had decided to dismiss Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov from his post and would ask parliament this week to replace him with Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine's main privatisation fund. The announcement, made in his nightly video address to the nation, sets the stage for the biggest shakeup of Ukraine's defence establishment during the war launched by Russia in February 2022. Oleksii Reznikov has been through more than 550 days of full-scale war," Zelenskiy said. The change of defence minister must be approved by parliament, but is likely to be supported by a majority of lawmakers in the Verkhovna Rada.

Persons: Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Oleksii Reznikov, Boris Pistorius, Rustem Umerov, Reznikov, I've, Zelenskiy, Umerov, Tom Balmforth, Anna Pruchnicka, Diane Craft Organizations: Defence, German, Press Service, Defence Ministry of, REUTERS, Rights, Defense, Verkhovna Rada, Property Fund, Thomson Locations: Ukraine, Kyiv, Defence Ministry of Ukraine, Handout, Russia, Verkhovna, Crimean

CNN —Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has fired his defense minister, citing the need for “new approaches” as the war with Russia enters its 19th month. “This week, parliament will be asked to make a personnel decision … I have decided to replace the minister of defense of Ukraine. The president nominated Rustem Umerov, the former people’s deputy of Ukraine, to become the new defense minister. “The Verkhovna Rada (legislature) of Ukraine knows this person well, and Mr. Umerov does not need any additional introductions,” Zelensky said. Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov at Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine, on March 10, 2023.

Persons: Volodymyr Zelensky, …, Oleksii Reznikov, ” Zelensky, Rustem Umerov, Umerov, “, ” Reznikov, Zelensky, Yurii, Reznikov, Ihor Kolomoisky Organizations: CNN, Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, Ukrainian Defense, NATO, European Union, Transparency International Locations: Russia, Ukraine, Kyiv, Europe, Brussels

☆ Ukraine's efforts to rack up Russian defectors and their equipment helped land the country an Mi-8 helicopter and fighter jet parts
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-26 | by ( Erin Snodgrass | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

A Russian pilot defected to Ukraine with an Mi-8 helicopter and fighter jet parts this week. Ukraine offers monetary rewards to Russian soldiers who bring their equipment to Ukraine. AdvertisementAdvertisementUkraine has sought to incentivize Russian soldiers to defect since the war began in February 2022, launching at least two programs targeted at would-be turncoats. A helicopter — like the one a Russian pilot flew into Ukraine this week — fetches $500,000, according to the legislation. The Rada bill also promises "secrecy, a safe stay in Ukraine, and support in obtaining new documents and leaving for a third country," for any Russian soldiers who abandon post.

Persons: 30SM, Mark Cancian, Mick Ryan, Vladimir Putin's, Ryan Organizations: Service, Kyiv Post, US Marine Corps, Center for Strategic, Studies, Verkhovna Rada, Australian Army, Rada, ABC News, Guardian, Radio Free, Radio Liberty, Kyiv Locations: Russian, Ukraine, Wall, Silicon, Ukrainian, Russia, Verkhovna, Radio Free Europe, Poltava, Kharkiv, Ukraine's

☆ Ukraine extends martial law, ruling out October parliament vote
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

KYIV, July 27 (Reuters) - Ukraine's parliament voted on Thursday to extend martial law by another 90 days until Nov. 15, ruling out the possibility of parliamentary elections being held in October. Ukraine brought in martial law on Feb. 24, 2022, the day Russia launched a full-scale invasion of its neighbour. The law, which bars 18- to 60-year-old men from leaving the country, has since been extended several times. Yaroslav Zheleznyak, a member of parliament, said on the Telegram messaging app that an overwhelming majority of lawmakers voted to extend martial law in a session of the Verkhovna Rada parliament. Reporting by Anna Pruchnicka and Kyiv newsroom; editing by Tom Balmforth and Hugh LawsonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Yaroslav Zheleznyak, Anna Pruchnicka, Tom Balmforth, Hugh Lawson Organizations: Verkhovna Rada, Thomson Locations: Ukraine, Russia, Kyiv

☆ French street artist C215’s heart ‘belongs to the Ukrainian people’
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-02 | by ( Mariya Knight | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Based in Paris, Guemy has collaborated with British artist Banksy — who has also created works in Ukraine — in the past. “Being French gives a proper sense of tragedy, not irony.”The artist's depiction of Ukrainian soldier Oleksandr Matsiyevsky. The artist has even painted his own son Gabin, wearing a traditional Ukrainian shirt, on a building in Kyiv damaged by a Russian missile attack. Ukraine doesn’t want ‘peace,’ Ukraine wants victory and justice.”Guemy is planning to do more works in and about Ukraine. “My heart belongs to the Ukrainian people.”

Persons: haggard, Oleksandr Matsiyevsky, Christian Guemy, Matsiyevsky’s, ” Guemy, “, Ukraine ’, ”, Guemy, Banksy —, Ukraine Guemy, Volodymyr Zelensky, Zelensky, –, Eugène, ” It’s, Joel Saget, Nina, he’s, Dmytro Kotsiubaylo, Da Vinci, Bakhmut, Lesya Ukrainka, Roman Pilipey, Gabin Organizations: CNN, Russian, Ukraine, Getty Locations: Kyiv, Ukraine, Paris, Verkhovna Rada, Ukrainian, Lviv, France, AFP, Haiti, Rwanda, Spain, San Francisco, Irpin, Borodyanka, Roman, Russian, “

☆ Ukrainian lawmakers back tax breaks for domestic drone producers
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

KYIV, May 29 (Reuters) - Ukraine's parliament voted on Monday to exempt domestic drone producers from customs duties and value added tax, a senior lawmaker said, in a move intended to help a sector that Kyiv sees as vital for its war effort. The exemptions laid out in two bills that were backed by lawmakers cover imports of equipment and other parts for the production and repair of drones, lawmaker Yaroslav Zheleznyak wrote on the Telegram messenger. Ukraine sees drones as a low-cost way to narrow its huge armament gap with Russia, a nuclear power whose long-range conventional capabilities enable it to conduct air strikes on targets across Ukraine. The Ukrainian defence ministry has said it is working with more than 80 drone manufacturers. In previous conversations with Reuters, Ukrainian drone manufacturers and non-governmental organisations have cited customs regulations as a big challenge to increasing production volumes.

☆ Victory Day analysis: Putin tried to project strength, but Moscow parade revealed only his isolation
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-09 | by ( Nathan Hodge | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —For Russian President Vladimir Putin, this year’s Victory Day parade in Red Square was a chance to continue his war on history. It has become a pawn to their cruel and selfish plans.”Despite the pomp of the parade, Putin cuts an increasingly isolated figure. In Russia, Putin and his regime have destroyed these values. A lone Soviet-era T-34 tank leads the procession in Moscow in contrast to the large array of military hardware on display on previous Victory Day parades. “Victory Day is the victory of our grandfathers,” he said.

CNN —A mural depicting a fallen Ukrainian soldier executed by Russian forces in 2022 has appeared in the heart of Kyiv on the side of a government building. The sighting was celebrated in a Facebook post by the Ukrainian parliament on Saturday. In the video, he was seen pulling a cigarette and saying: “Slava Ukraini (Glory to Ukraine)” – before fighters off camera fired several shots at him. Glory to Ukraine.”Zelensky posthumously awarded Matsiyevsky Ukraine’s highest honor, the “Hero of Ukraine” medal later that month. There, a common idea arose to create a mural in Kyiv,” the Parliament said.

☆ Ukraine withdraws 19 mln Russian, Soviet-era books from libraries
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Yevheniya Kravchuk, deputy head of the Ukrainian parliament's committee on humanitarian and information policy, said that of the 19 million books, 11 million were in Russian. It was not immediately clear what happened to the withdrawn books. After Russia moved to annex Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in 2014, Kyiv increasingly restricted the use of Russian books. "In general, the ratio of books in Russian and Ukrainian languages in our libraries is just very regretful," Kravchuk said. She added that about 44% of books in Ukraine's libraries are in Russian, the rest in Ukrainian or languages of the European Union countries.

[1/2] U.S. President Joe Biden and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy walk down the Colonnade to the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S., December 21, 2022. The planning for Zelenskiy's speech began in October, according to a Pelosi aide, when she met with Ruslan Stefanchuk, chairman of Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada. Zelenskiy, Fried said, "didn’t go to Berlin, Brussels, London or Paris" for his first trip abroad since the start of the war. The optics of Zelenskiy receiving a hero's welcome as a defender of democracy carries a message far deeper than military aid. In a Senate speech he described Zelenskiy as "a leader who is fighting for his life, fighting for his country's survival and fighting to preserve the very idea of democracy."

☆ Ukraine lawmakers brand Chechnya 'Russian-occupied' in dig at Kremlin
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Ichkeria is the historical name of Russia's southern region of Chechnya that was devastated by two bloody wars between Russian troops and Chechen separatists after the 1991 breakup of the Soviet Union. A majority of Ukrainian lawmakers voted on Tuesday to back a resolution that "recognises the Chechen republic of Ichkeria as territory temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation as a result of armed aggression which contravened the UN's Statute". Ukraine uses the same language - "temporarily occupied" - to describe swathes of Ukrainian territory that were seized by Russian forces in 2014 and following this year's invasion. Ukraine's 450-seat parliament, which has continued to function behind closed doors despite Russian attacks on the capital Kyiv and other cities, said 290 lawmakers had voted to adopt the resolution. The parliament known in Ukraine as the Verkhovna Rada said 352 lawmakers were present for the vote.

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